No other name evokes such emotion and controversy. No other name causes office tension. No other name has been forbidden. Why is this so? It is because no other name brings death trembling to it’s knees in defeat. It is because no other name has made a way for humanity to enter Heaven. It is because no other name can cause the blind to see and the lame to walk. It is because no other name brings forgiveness of sins. It is the name above all names. Jesus, the Messiah.
The tickle in the back of your throat irritates as you begin to share what Christ has done for you. You have seen His power at work in your life. You have heard His truth. Just the mention of His name brings division. You struggle getting the words out, and then you wait. Will they pounce on me? Will they think I’m crazy? Will I get fired? No matter their response, remember beloved, you have an audience of ONE! God is your only audience. You make Him smile when you spread His Word.
Every soul matters to God. You and I come in contact with lost people daily. They are hurting, angry and wounded, in need of Living Water. Just as the Sanhedrin tried to silence Peter and John from teaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18), the atheists would like you to believe that the Gospel is all fake news. The world is okay with you talking about peace, hope and joy, but don’t mention Jesus. They’ll tell you to “Keep it in church.” Could you imagine Jesus saying, “Just talk to people who already know me, don’t worry about the rest.” That’s the opposite of the Great Commission we’ve received.
I think it’s good to be reminded this season of the lesson we learn from these two fishers of men. Peter and John were sold out for Jesus. They were bold and yet they had no formal training or credentials. Rather, they had an encounter with God. No excuses remained that could keep them silent. They chose to obey Him no matter the cost.
Far be it for them to deny the gift of salvation that Jesus gave them. We might not know this Good News if not for their boldness. They weren’t afraid of the word ‘no’ when sharing Christ with others. They didn’t shy away from talking about Jesus because they might be perceived as crazy. Let Peter and John be your encouragement as you share our Lord with others. Be bold with your testimony. Make the King proud.
- “This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)
- “They couldn’t take their eyes off them-Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were lay men with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright-so healed!-what could they say against that?” (Acts 4:13-14, The Message)
- “But Peter and John replied, ‘Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.'” (Acts 4:19-20)
