HOW SHOULD THE CHRISTIAN RESPOND

The reality of this life altering time has begun to settle in and people are developing new rhythms in life. The question begins to arise, how should the Christian respond? I was reading this morning in Acts 3-4 where Peter and John are used by God to bring healing to a lame man. The religious leaders of the day were not happy about their preaching in the name of Jesus. Peter and John spent a night in jail, but not before seeing 5000 people saved. Then they are brought before Sanhedrin to answer the question, by what power or what name they had performed this healing. Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly proclaims that it was in the name of Jesus, who they crucified, who rose again on the third day. He then tells them that "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 The rulers of the Sanhedrin take note of Peter and John's boldness, that they are uneducated and that they had been with Jesus.

I want to pause here and ask questions. During these uncertain times that we live, would people stop and take not of our faith? Would they notice our boldness to say, “My peace comes from my savior Jesus”? Would they know that we have been with Jesus? How should our response to the current crisis be different than the world around us? I believe that as we continue to go through these difficulties as a community that we will be provided opportunities to share our faith, where our peace comes from. I would like to encourage you to pause now and make preparations for those divine opportunities.

The story of Peter and John continues with the leaders struggling to find any way to punish them because of such a great miracle. They threatened them and sent them away. Peter and John went to their family and friends and reported the event to them. Then a time of spontaneous prayer and worship takes place. I want to call your attention to the request of the early church in Acts 4:29-30, "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Peter and John and the rest of the church did not ask to be removed from the situation but asked that God would give them boldness as He continued to perform signs and wonders.

I believe that our prayer should be, for each of us to be used by God during these times. During crisis people begin to ask deeper questions. They begin to search for deeper answers. You and I, as followers of Jesus, have the ultimate answer they are looking for, Jesus. Our peace in troubled times comes from our hope in Jesus. To know both intellectually and experientially that the God of heaven and earth cares for us and is actively watching over us brings comfort each day. I believe that as we walk through this uncertainty that as believers, we will be given divine opportunities to share about our relationship with Jesus and how He helps us through this difficult time. My prayer for each of us is for boldness, tenderness and love to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

May God Richly Bless You Today

Scott