THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 5:12-16
“That Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” (Acts 5:14)
In many parts of the world, the church is experiencing dramatic growth.
Except for some reason in North America and Europe (maybe a few pockets).
Many churches are shrinking, or dying, or barely holding on.
What strikes me here is how positive people felt about Jesus’s followers.
“They were highly regarded by the people.” (Acts 5:13)
In my experience, people will avoid even the shadow of a christian.
Is the way we are presenting Jesus to our world driving people away?
I believe that signs like conversion or healing follow Jesus-like character.
That is, the ‘gifts’ of the Spirit flow from the ‘fruit’ of the Spirit.
As we walk with the Spirit, the Spirit changes us, and works through us.
As Jesus followers, our presence should convey God’s love, joy, peace, etc.
People will be drawn to this, and will seek our presence, even our shadow.
That is where people find healing, hope and faith in the Lord!
What kind of shadow am I casting for Jesus?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be more like You, so that people can see and experience You through me. Use me to bless, help, heal, serve many, that they may come to You!
LightShine.
Jesus had a show and tell ministry. So did the apostles.
Many were healed by miracles but it is the Word which brings salvation.
‘No one else dared to join them’ yet men and women believed.
LightShine.
Let Christ flow through me to be an instrument of His peace. The apostles were highly regarded and this must be true of all Christians.
How do I stand out to be His instrument of peace?
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is dispair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.