Matthew Chapter 14: Verses 34-35 (NIV-UK)
When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognised Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all who were ill to him…
Acts Chapter 4: Verse 13 NIV-UK)
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
News could spread quickly even back in the day when communication was not instant as it is now. Jesus was quickly recognised and people sent word out that He was in the area. People who trusted that He could meet their needs came to Him and He healed them all. Today in Junior church, with our younger children, we did the story of the lame man at the Temple who was healed in the name of Jesus through Peter and John’s obedience. Immediately after that miracle it was noted that they had been with Jesus.
That got me thinking, as a follow on from yesterday’s verses. Do people recognise Jesus in me, as one of His followers, or is His presence hidden from others. People can be drawn to others who carry the anointing of Christ, even if they don’t actually say anything. I recall someone telling of how the preacher Smith Wigglesworth was travelling on a train when the person sitting opposite him told him that he felt convicted of sin simply by being in the same carriage as him. Peter and John did not minister in their own strength, they were empowered by the Holy Spirit through the name of Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, the same Spirit dwells in us. We want people to sense His presence in us, and recognise the characteristics and qualities of Jesus in us, because we have spent time with Him. If we do then people will talk about it, and some will want to find that same presence for themselves. So let’s give them something to talk about.
Dear Lord,
Make my desire be to stay close to You so that people recognise Your Spirit in me, and realise that You can meet their needs. I ask in Your Name, just as Peter and John did. Amen.