The early followers saw one of King David’s prophecies come true. They saw up close exactly how that played out. God gave David that message so many years before. The fact that what happened to Jesus was in God’s plan all along was beginning to sink in with the followers. This persecution didn’t end with Jesus, as Peter and John found out firsthand.
Did you notice the believers didn’t cower back because of the persecution they were now receiving because of their message about Jesus? They knew the Spirit of God had given them power, and they also implicitly trusted the name of Jesus.
How wonderful that they prayed so earnestly for courage to be bolder, to speak louder, to make the name of Jesus known! Don’t you love verse 29? “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.” God’s rumbling response was, “Yes, indeed!” That can be our prayer, too, even if we aren’t preachers. We are to be sharers of the Word.
The Holy Spirit anointed them. God had powerfully answered their prayer, so they were able to preach with boldness. When we ask things in accordance with God’s will, we should never be surprised when God answers in a mighty way. 1 John 5:14-15 says, “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”
Our reading concludes with more insights into the early church and its sense of community. Not only did the early followers share a strong belief in Jesus, but many of them had also shared meals with Jesus, heard sermons by Jesus, and walked beside Him. Such bonding experiences to share! Their trust and respect are palpable.
God noticed. “The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.” You may be wondering if you testified more about Jesus’ resurrection and what that means for the world, if you’d be showered with God’s blessings. After all, it sounds like these early followers had all that they needed and shared without question.
I look around at the wonderful place God has planted me. I certainly have all that I need. Are there “wants and desires” that I have that go unmet? Of course, but they don’t really seem to matter to me as much as they used to. God has replaced my desire for “things” with other gifts. While I would love to be able to spend more time with family, being worlds apart serving as a missionary has filled parts of my heart I didn’t even know were empty.
Serving God can be like that. The early apostles learned that, and I’m learning that. I hope that’s a lesson you are experiencing, too. If it’s not, ask God to prepare you for your time and open the opportunities. Be ready to be used by God and have your world rocked. God loves to answer prayer.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I exalt you and call on your powerful name. Today and every day, I need you, Lord. Fill me anew with your wisdom and strength. Guide my steps closer to you. I want people to see you living in me. You are my reason for each day, my friend, and my God. Move me. Thank you for hearing my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
