Humbly Empowered

My Bible study this morning took place in Acts chapter 5. Pentecost has taken happened! The Church has begun its mission to take the Good News about Jesus to the world! The scriptures say that God’s grace is upon everyone, and people are coming to faith like crazy! There are miracles abounding, testifying to the truth of their message. It is pretty exciting stuff.

Among the excitement, Acts 5:15 caught my attention. The Apostles are healing many of the sick and casting out evil spirits, and it says, “…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 one of them.” Wow. That is pretty powerful stuff.

So, what? What does this verse have to do with me? Here is what I wrote in my journal.

“I wondered, for a second, if Peter felt pride in this moment. Without context, he appears like a god before the people. There is so much power at work here! Surely, this mighty work must go to his head.”

“But then I remembered something. Peter has been refined, shaped into a vessel for the Master. He has had his pride worked on by the Prince of Glory. Jesus is a refiner’s fire for His people!”

“This is the Peter who was called the Rock but acted like a pebble. In pride, he rebuked Jesus and was corrected (Matt. 16:22-23). In arrogance, he swore he would never forsake his King, and then he denied even knowing Him (Matt. 26:33-34). This is the Peter who was a shame to Jesus when He most needed him. All these things became a part of Peter’s story, pointing out the flaws of men and the grace of God. Jesus had to break Peter down before He could build him up and use him. The Peter of Acts is walking in humility and God’s grace.”

“Peter, you will heal people with your shadow someday, but it will not be by your own petra (rock). It will be by the true Petra (Rock), Jesus.”

“I believe this is the pattern God uses with His people. He breaks them down to build them up. Moses fled to Midian before God called him to save the Hebrews. Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt before God saved a nation through him. David spent years hiding in the deserts before God elevated him to be the King of Israel. Peter would cower in fear of man before he would be the head Apostle.”

Let this give you hope in God’s work in your life. He is intentional. His hands may hurt at times, but only to bring you good. He may not be calling you to heal people with your shadow, but He does want to use each one of us. Often, He must form character before He does so.

Hope you enjoyed this reflection! Trust Him more today.

Pastor Dan