“With Jesus”
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 simple story both indicts and invites my heart this August Monday morning. Two unschooled, ordinary fishermen, Peter and John, were radically liberated, all because of their vital relationship with you. People in high places of authority and power were astonished by unspectacular guys. I don’t care to impress anyone, but I would love to be as free at Peter and John.
This story reminds me that doing the right things for you isn’t the same thing as spending life-giving time with you. Thinking great thoughts about you must not be substituted for enjoying vital communion with you. Helping others understand the gospel is awesome, but possible to do while not deeply enjoying you for ourselves.
Jesus, renew and refresh my heart-relationship with you. I don’t want to hear you say, ten minutes or ten years from now, “I have this against you, you have forsaken the love you had at first.” May your beauty be alluring, your love compelling, and your grace transforming in these next several weeks. I never want to get used to or be bored with the gospel.
Who or what do I have in heaven but you? It’s not about “streets of gold,” angelic choirs, or even being done with all the brokenness of life in this world. You make heaven heavenly. And knowing your love, presence, and beauty, transcends anything this world has to offer.
No matter the circumstances, you are my portion, banquet, and inheritance, Jesus. I’ll make zero excuses for not spending time with you. May “too busy for it” never apply to relationship with you. I look forward to walking more closely with you in this next season of life. So very Amen I pray, in your holy and compassionate name.