Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man—by what means he was healed—let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by Him this man is standing here before you healthy. This Jesus is the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it.” When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:8-13
My words…
Jesus, You must be so proud of Peter! He may have stumbled during Your trial, denying he even knew You, but once the Spirit took hold, he was off and running. The gumption he exhibited during his short walk with You on the waters of Galilee resurfaced in the face of Israel’s leaders. He did not own the caliber of resumé they would have expected for one who preached heart-piercing sermons and miraculously healed the afflicted. His professional credentials would have read something like this:
Decades of experience navigating the waters of the Sea of Galilee in a family-owned business, fishing expert, proficient in net mending, team leader and mentor.
Without a Master in Divinity or a PhD in Biblical Studies, Peter stood toe-to-toe with the literate and lofty teachers of the law. For good measure, he threw in a reminder of who had killed the Son of God (You guys!) before He was raised from the dead! (Go Peter!) The leaders stood there with furrowed brows. There was something about Peter that reminded them of…that’s it! Jesus! They recognized You in Peter. He may not have had letters after his name, but Peter had “Jesus creds”—the rightful terminal degree.
Peter’s bold, practical, life-changing message was a result of hours, days and years spent in the presence of You—Master Teacher, Prince of Peace, Consolation of Israel. Peter listened. Peter learned. Peter grew. That’s what happens to people who spend a lot of time with You, Jesus.
Over the years, I have come to recognize those who have earned Jesus creds. They possess a visible inner peace. They never boast about themselves. They smile—a lot. They don’t crumble when life gets tough. They have a bible handy, and they read it. To them, worrying is a waste of time and energy. They recognize evil when others do not. They praise You for their accomplishments. They don’t love money. When they sin, they seek forgiveness.
I pray, Lord, I will seek to spend more time with You. I pray to live out my ministry with boldness so others will recognize I have been with You. There is no higher honor.
