Saturday, 10th June 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: THESE MEN HAVE BEEN WITH JESUS
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What is boldness?
- Should Christians be bold?
This is how it played out - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before this huge golden image Nebuchadnezzar had erected. The instruction was clear: “Whoever hears the sound of the trumpets must bow to this image.” That was not enough. A furnace of fire had been prepared for those who would disregard King Nebuchadnezzar’s orders (Dan 3:11}. Who will dare disobey the king of Babylon’s orders? It can only be the man who is bold—a man who has been with Jesus. Though the three- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego- were slaves, they defied the orders of this powerful king.
Beloved, boldness is daring. It is audacious. Boldness does not back down in the presence of fear. Boldness cannot be intimidated or threatened.
Boldness does not know “I cannot,” but “all things are possible.” The Scriptures record that Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, began to preach with boldness in the presence of the high priest and his council, the message of the kingdom. They wondered how Peter and John could know the deep things of God, being unlearned men. They came to one conclusion - these men have been with Jesus.
Precious one, no believer, filled with the Holy Ghost dare be timid. How far should you be pushed before you decide to rise up with boldness?
How far will you be pushed before you take a stand for Jesus? We serve and preach the all-powerful God. The Most High is our pillar of fire by day and a pillar of cloud by night. How can we be timid about preaching Jesus? Some believers are even ashamed to reveal that they are born again. What? You’re ashamed? We have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear (Rom 8:15) but the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7).
Precious one, God despises cowards. He abhors the fearful. This is why “the fearful and unbelieving...shall have their part in the lake of fire” (Rev 21:8).
Do you dare compromise in the face of opposition? Have you forgotten we have examples to emulate? How Moses, with a shepherd's rod, showed up in the presence of Pharaoh and charged him, “Let my people go!” And David, who will not allow a lion or bear to take a sheep under his care. Think about this: 500 soldiers arrive in the garden of Gethsemane to arrest one man, Jesus, while he is praying. They say, “We seek Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus stepped forward and replied, “I am he,” and the soldiers went back and fell (John 18:5-6). If you have been with Jesus, you sure will be bold in all you do. If you have stayed consistently with the Word of Life, Satan cannot intimidate you, your family, your business, and whatever concerns you. From today on, let it be said of you, “This one has been with Jesus.” God bless you more.
FURTHER READING – Daniel 3:1-28
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- What are some of the things you afraid of in your life?
- Who and what intimidates you spiritually?
CONFESSION
Precious Father, thank you for who I am in Christ. I confess that the Spirit of the Lord is in me and with me. Therefore I am bold as a lion, swifter than an eagle and more fierce than the evening wolves. I am unshakable, immovable and always abounding in the things of Christ. Glory to God.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Judges 7; Judges 8; Isaiah 34; James 5
Comments powered by CComment