A work in progress!

Best-selling novelist, the Anglo-Canadian author Arthur Hailey (1920-2004), is recorded as having said of his fictional characters: "I don't think I really invented anybody. I have drawn on real life." When readers open a book by this author, they encounter ordinary people who have been placed, by the author, in extraordinary situations.

Do you realise that Father God often does the same thing?! In Dr Luke's second volume - known to us as the Book of the Acts of the Apostles (although, more accurately, the Acts of God the Holy Spirit, through apostolic men!) - and in chapter 4, we find two ordinary people, the fishermen Peter and John, having been placed in an unexpected situation, being witnesses to the reality of the risen Lord Jesus. These men who, with the rest of the band of disciples had fled when their Master was arrested, were now boldly facing threats and punishment, for nothing other than telling people about Him.

The context is that, on the previous day, they "... were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at that gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him." (Acts 3:1-10)

The two responded to this amazement by proclaiming the Gospel message - 3: 12-26 - and, we read in Acts 4, that "... the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead." (4:1-2). The Sadducees, of course, did not believe that there was any such thing as a resurrection (that is why they were "sad, you see"! Theological humour!).

Having been kept in custody overnight, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin - the supreme Jewish Council - who wanted to know how they had performed the miracle on the lame man. This gave Peter another opportunity to preach the Gospel! (vs.8-12). His preaching was so powerful that even these authorities, who opposed the followers of "the Way", were astonished as "... they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men,". But "... they recognized that they had been with Jesus."! (v.13).

Most, if not all, of us are ordinary people in a real life of work, relationships, and everyday circumstances. But Father God is looking for ordinary people to do extraordinary work for Him! Our opportunities to demonstrate the reality of the Lord Jesus may sometimes come disguised as difficulties - as they did for Peter and John, and other disciples as recorded by Dr Luke.

However, if you read Peter's response to the Sanhedrin, you will have noticed the secret in v.8 - "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said ...". Even as ordinary people, we can have an extraordinary impact for the Saviour if we will trust the Author of our circumstances, and rely on the indwelling power of God the Holy Spirit. We are, as a friend from many years ago often pointed out "works in progress"! However, if it is true that we are "with Jesus" then that work will continue under His masterful guidance. Paul, writing to the believers in Philippi, assured them that "...  I am sure that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (1:6). They, too, were "works in progress", but that work would be completed. 

May that be the ongoing experience of all who read this post, as we see all around us, indications that the final prophecies are being fulfilled, and the Rapture of the saints of God is rapidly approaching!