Christ's Light Shines through the Apostles
Scripture Passage: Acts 5:12-16 (NASB)
12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all together in Solomon’s portico. 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. 14 And increasingly believers in the Lord, large numbers of men and women, were being added to their number, 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any of them. 16 The people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together as well, bringing people who were sick for tormented with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.
SUMMARY
The apostles were performing many signs and wonders. Although the people did not “dare to associate” with the apostles, they held the apostles in high esteem, and as a result more and more people came to believe in Christ. People carried the sick out to the street in the hopes that Peter’s shadow would fall on them, and people from surrounding cities came to Jerusalem bringing those who were sick or possessed by unclean spirits, and all were healed.
REFLECTION & APPLICATION
This passage shows the power of true belief in Christ. As said in previous passages, the apostles were not better educated or trained. But they had absolute belief in Christ and pure motives, unlike Ananias and Sapphias. As a result Christ’s light shone through them, unblocked and undimmed. The people “held them in high esteem,” not because of the apostles’ power but because the apostles completely submitted themselves to Christ and let His love and power flow to the people.
When God’s people believe fully and act out of love, everyone around them will inevitably see Christ’s love. The reason why my Christian life lacks power is not a mystery. My mind and heart are conflicted. Even as I write this devotional, my heart and mind are only half devoted to the Word. The rest of me is anxious about and thinking about the rest of the day, about work, about my wife and son, about other things. The same with my prayers. I often pray out of a sense of duty, not because I truly seek to have a deep relationship with God. Although I do try to be good, I fail repeatedly, because I can only rely on my own power and not God’s.
There is no real mystery to Christian life. God’s message is simple – let go and put Him in control.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for this Word. No matter what else occupies my mind or heart, You always bring me back to You, through Your Word, Your church and Your people. I am so grateful that You brought light and healing even into my dark and confused heart. Clear my heart of confusion and mixed motives. Help me to remember that I only have my family, my work or anything else in my life because You gave them to me. Help me to be a clean vessel through which Your light can shine undimmed. Help me to return to You always, through prayer and Your Word. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
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