“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
Lord Jesus, this bit of history indicts and invites my heart this morning. Two unschooled, ordinary fishermen—Peter and John, were radically liberated, all because of their relationship with you. They were recognized because they’d been with you. You didn’t just call them to be bold disciples; but first and foremost, to know, love, and delight in you. This is exactly what you desire for us too. Thank you, 1000 times over.
So, Jesus, renew, deepen, and nourish our heart-relationship with you. May your beauty be alluring all over again… your love compelling… and your presence be our feast and delight. Doing the right things for you isn’t the same thing as spending life-giving time with you. Thinking great thoughts and singing rich hymns about you isn’t the same thing as singing to you and being “smitten” with your nearness.
Not to shame us, but to encourage and re-center us—remind us of those seasons when you mattered more to us than anyone and anything. We don’t crave “spiritual ecstasy” or intense feelings—it’s you we crave Jesus—you as our treasure, banquet, and inheritance. We don’t need to hear anybody say, “They’ve been with Jesus.” We just want to be with you, Jesus—now and forever. So Very Amen.