"And they recognized that they had been with Jesus"

“And they recognized they had been with Jesus”

by Shelly Burke, Editor, Nebraska Family Times

(from Google Images)

I am currently reading through and studying the book of Acts, which records the history of the early church after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven. It is called “Acts” because it gives an account of the acts of the apostles as they spread the Good News.

In Acts 3, Peter heals a lame man. Many witness the healing and run to hear what Peter has to say. Peter uses the opportunity to attribute the healing to God, and proceeds to tell the people that salvation only comes through Jesus Christ. Peter and John were arrested for what they were saying and “put into custody” over night.

The next day they were taken in front of the leaders who asked them how they healed the lame man. The Bible tells us that Peter was “filled with the holy spirit” and began to speak. He attributes the miracle to “Jesus Christ of Nazareth” and explains the plan of salvation. The leaders knew that Peter and John were “uneducated, common men” and were astonished by what they had to say. The leaders “recognized that they [Peter and John] had been with Jesus.” (Excerpted from Acts 4)

That phrase stood out to me: “And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13b)

And then I wondered: 

• Do people recognize that I have been with Jesus? He is not here on earth bodily, as He was when Peter and John were alive, but I can spend time with Him through prayer, Bible study, and worship. 
•  Do I, like Peter and John, answer calmly when I’m challenged about my beliefs or actions (or just really annoyed by someone else's actions)?
•  Do I give credit to the Lord when He does something through me?
•  Do I ask the Holy Spirit to give me the right words when I’m not sure what to say (or to put His hand over my mouth when I should keep it closed)?
•  What have I done today, to show people that I have been with Jesus?

 What are you going to do today, to show that you have been with Jesus?

Lord, please be with me in all I do and say today. Let me show others that I have been with You. Amen.

Shelly Burke is also the author of Home is Where the Mom Is; AChristian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home.