Oh, to be an upstart

Acts 4:1-4 (MSG) While Peter and John were addressing the people, the priests, the chief of the Temple police, and some Sadducees came up,  indignant that these upstart apostles were instructing the people and proclaiming that the resurrection from the dead had taken place in Jesus.  They arrested them and threw them in jail until morning, for by now it was late in the evening.  But many of those who listened had already believed the Message—in round numbers about five thousand!

Read the four verses above and try to determine which words God wants to speak to your heart this day. For me, the word upstart grabbed my attention. I looked it up and found one of the definitions was, a nobody. This is significant because I am now challenged to be an upstart as well.

Peter and John had just healed a man who had been crippled since birth; in the name of Jesus they healed him. They pointed to the great healer and called up His name. This act had a snowball effect on the crowd who was gathered. Those who witnessed this miracle stuck around to hear more about this man Jesus, whom they had killed.

I often ask myself what I could do to make the difference in someone's eternal life. More than likely Peter and John asked themselves the same question. But, then they would start talking it over with each other and remember the words of their mentor, Jesus, and courage and conviction would return.

How do I apply this to my life? How do I call upon Jesus to heal another's heart, to redeem their eternity? Have I been empowered to do the same thing as the apostles? It isn't magic, but prayer that changes lives. If I have faith, if I believe God is with me, I too can make a difference in this world...even an upstart like me.

Acts 4:1-4