It Must Be Important!

Yesterday they had been put in jail for telling the story about Jesus’ death and resurrection. Last night they were set free, not by the authorities but by The authority. The Lord brought them out. Now they are before the authorities again. The demand of the authorities? Don’t teach in this name! the name of Jesus.

But Peter has a new found bravado. The Holy Spirit has grasped his mind and his spirit, turning his fear and doubt into courage and witness. He must talk! He must act. He cannot be quiet. He cannot be still. Authorities or no authorities. Jail or no jail. Peter will be a witness to the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus.

I pray for that bravado. But it is never quite like Peter’s. The Spirit knows me, my limitations and my gifts. The Sprit knows you. The Spirit does not make copies. The Spirit inspires people. So my bravado is different. Your bravado is different. Let it be that way. And let it live.

A Moslem friend asks, “If Jesus is that important, why don’t they talk about him?” I can live in a prison of silence, afraid to speak in Jesus’ name. I don’t want that prison life. I want to be free.

Holy Spirit of God, live in and through us as you did in them, but for our day. Amen. — TS