March 6, 2023 -- Acts 21:17-20a -- The Acts of the Apostles: The Power of Testimony

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God.
Acts 21:17-20a

This is a clear case of cherry-picking on my part. I am dealing with the easiest part of the text and, for now, setting aside the much more difficult parts. Paul, who labored to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to non-Jewish people, now had returned to Jerusalem. He was giving a joyful report to those who lived among the Jews, ministered to Jewish Christians, and had to keep peace between Jewish Christians and non-Jewish Christians. The simple focus today is the power of the testimony.

The testimony of lives changed, hearts given to Jesus, and whole cities, like Ephesus, impacted because of the Gospel was electrifying. The brothers who heard it glorified God. That is what a proper testimony does. It does not focus on the teller, nor the story, but the focus and the honour all belong to the Living God.

It is God Who chose people from before the foundation of the world. It is God Who sent His Son to go after lost sheep. It is Jesus Whose blood made the way to reconciliation with the Father possible. It is the Spirit Who prompted hearts to hear Paul and his companions. It is the Spirit Who strengthens believers to face hardships. In the struggles and blessings, in the paths through the valley of the shadow of death and the sun-drenched mountain peaks of success, those sent by the Spirit to gather in the believers have the privilege of knowing their timing, their presence and their work was ordained by God so that the Church would be built up.

This is the power of testimonies rightly given. God receives the glory and the praise. The people who hear it are inspired to greater acts of service and obedience to Jesus and these all bound up in the sure hope that the Spirit will continue to work until the day of Jesus’ return.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Thank You for the new life You have given in Jesus Christ. Thank You for faithful teachers and preachers, elders and parents, and all whom You used to bring in Your people to the great congregation of those under the Great Shepherd's care. Blessed God, continue to build Your Church. By Your Spirit inspire people today to renew their efforts, no matter the hardship or cost, so that the grace of Jesus Christ will capture many people and Your pursuing love will overtake them. Amen.

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