How very exciting it must have been for the early church when things like this happened: Acts 5:12-16:
12 Now by the hands of the apostles (special messengers) numerous and startling signs and wonders were being performed among the people. And by common consent they all met together [at the temple] in the covered porch (walk) called Solomon's. 13 And none of those who were not of their number dared to join and associate with them, but the people held them in high regard and praised and made much of them. 14 More and more there were being added to the Lord those who believed [those who acknowledged Jesus as their Savior and devoted themselves to Him joined and gathered with them], crowds both of men and of women, 15 So that they [even] kept carrying out the sick into the streets and placing them on couches and sleeping pads, [in the hope] that as Peter passed by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 And the people gathered also from the towns and hamlets around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those troubled with foul spirits, and they were all cured.
Are YOU prepared to "go thou and do likewise"? That IS what we are ALL called to do! We have been given the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) which is simply preaching the Good News that God has already reconciled the world back to Himself through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth! All that is left is the receiving! When we do that, HE will confirm His Word with accompanying signs, wonders and miracles! Exciting, right? But are you also prepared for THIS? Verses 17-18:
17 But the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and being filled with jealousy and indignation and rage, 18 They seized and arrested the apostles (special messengers) and put them in the public jail.
They were thrown in jail! God did NOT leave them there, though! The angel let them out supernaturally! Whew! I bet they played it safe after that, right? NO! Look at verses 19-21:
19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and, leading them out, said, 20 Go, take your stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life (the eternal life which Christ revealed). 21 And when they heard this, they accordingly went into the temple about daybreak and began to teach.
They were re-arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. They had the opportunity to preach the Gospel to the religious leaders of the nation! Hallelujah! But Peter DID say THIS first in verse 29:
29 Then Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men.
They made their stand, preached the Word and God delivered them safely! Why am I sharing this with you today? I am sharing this so that we can realize that we MUST get out of our comfort zone in order to be used by God to reach the people! HE wants to confirm His Word to get the attention of those who are lost, but WE must give Him something to confirm! True protection, provision and safety come to those who dare to get out on the edge, trusting HIM for all things! Let's get out there! A lost and hurting world is waiting for us, and they don't even know it! YET! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "No Reason To Hide":
Shalom in Him!
