“While Peter and John were speaking to the people, some Jewish leaders came up to them. There were some priests, the captain of the soldiers that guarded the Temple, and some Sadducees. They were upset because of what Peter and John were teaching the people. By telling people about Jesus, the apostles were teaching that people will rise from death. The Jewish leaders arrested Peter and John and put them in jail. It was already night, so they kept them in jail until the next day. But many of the people who heard the apostles believed what they said. There were now about 5000 men in the group of believers. The next day the Jewish rulers, the older Jewish leaders, and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander were there. Everyone from the high priest’s family was there. They made Peter and John stand before all the people. They asked them over and over, ‘How did you make this crippled man well? What power did you use? By whose authority did you do this?’ Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and you older leaders, are you questioning us today about what we did to help this crippled man? Are you asking us what made him well? We want all of you and all the people of Israel to know that this man was made well by the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You nailed Jesus to a cross, but God raised him from death. This man was crippled, but he is now well. He is able to stand here before you because of the power of Jesus! Jesus is ‘the stone that you builders thought was not important. But this stone has become the cornerstone.’ Jesus is the only one who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save anyone. We must be saved through him.’” (Acts 4:1-12 Easy-to Read Bible)
This is your Monday Short meditation. As in the text above, when you are going about doing God’s work or speaking God’s word; talking about Jesus, opposition will show up. Here’s my advice, when opposition shows up as you are doing your work for the Lord and your words communicate the truth about Jesus, do not cave in. Just depend on the Holy Spirit to give you the words to say, and again, as you speak, “Talk Jesus” When you are questioned about your faith, “Talk Jesus.” When you are asked about a change brought about by divine intervention, otherwise known as a miracle, do like Peter and “Talk Jesus!” As was the case in the verses above, in our days, we too will face opposition from others. And you know what? They need to know about the One in whose name is the only power in the world that has been given to save anyone. You know the name of that One! So, when the opportunity presents itself this week, “Talk Jesus!”
Don’t worry about what people will say! Don’t worry if people stare! “Talk Jesus!” Have a great week! Be blessed!
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
Talking Jesus is easy when you are not in a crowd of unbelievers. Talking Jesus from the heart is easy when you know your audience is comprised of believers. The presence of the Holy Spirit will counter any anxiety of talking Jesus when the audience is not friendly to hearing about Jesus. To God be the glory when we are able to talk Jesus.