MAY 28 | ACTS 4:13-21
- Judy Webb
- May 28
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Calling
By Judy Webb
“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 (NLT)
The educated members of the Jewish high council still didn’t get it. Initially they see Peter and John as ordinary men, but in the same breath they proclaim they were men who had been with Jesus.
Okay, which is it, ordinary men, or companions of Jesus? For followers of Jesus, Peter and John were anything but ordinary men.
Peter and John were bold and fearless. Just think how intimidating it must have been to face up to those religious leaders as they did. They were not educated in the sense those men were, but having lived with, and learned from Jesus, for three years their education was of the highest form.
During that time, just the name of Jesus threatened those in control. Peter and John were instructed on numerous occasions not to refer to Jesus, not to say his name. We face similar problems today. There are many venues where calling upon the name of Jesus will get you in big trouble. Perhaps even bodily harm as the name of Jesus threatens some authorities. The question is, will we cave and shut our mouths, or will we follow the example of Peter and John?
Strong and courageous followers didn't stop with Peter and John. No, Stephen and Phillip are two more examples of bold witnesses of faith. Paul and all his writings are even more illustrations of courage and bravery. This list is long…now we just need to join that line of bold faithful believers and continue to tell the story.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
Give us courage and strength to boldly face those who would try to squelch our testimony. What a blessing it will be to those who will hear of Jesus through our words. That is how valuable our stories are to others who don't quite understand why we tell them. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Bold in the spirit -amen!
Again,we are in times of conflict among friends, neighbors, family and others. I pray I can "stand up" in God's love and word. It is not by my power but by "surrendering obedience". We are His servant warriors.