Have You Been With Jesus?

In the bustling streets of Jerusalem, a remarkable event unfolded that would forever change the course of history. Two ordinary men, Peter and John, found themselves standing before the religious elite, facing intense scrutiny and potential persecution. Yet, instead of cowering in fear, they stood firm, radiating an inexplicable boldness that left their accusers astounded.

The secret behind their courage? They had been with Jesus.

This powerful encounter, recorded in Acts 4:5-31, serves as a testament to the transformative power of spending time in the presence of Christ. It challenges us to examine our own lives and ask the pivotal question: Have we been with Jesus?

The scene opens with Peter and John being questioned by the rulers, elders, and scribes of Jerusalem. These religious leaders demanded to know by what power or name they had performed a miraculous healing. It was a loaded question, designed to trap and intimidate. But Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, seized the moment to proclaim the truth boldly.

With unwavering conviction, Peter declared, "Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead — by him this man is standing here before you healthy." His words cut to the heart of the matter, leaving no room for ambiguity. He went on to proclaim that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

The response of the religious leaders is telling. They were amazed by the boldness of Peter and John, recognizing them as "uneducated and untrained men." Yet, they couldn't deny the undeniable – these men had been with Jesus. The transformation was evident, their courage palpable, their words imbued with divine authority.

This encounter serves as a powerful reminder that when we spend intentional time with Jesus in private, the Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold and courageous like Jesus in public. It's not about our education, our social status, or our natural abilities. It's about allowing ourselves to be shaped and molded by the presence of Christ.

But what does it mean to "be with Jesus" in our modern context? It's about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him through prayer, meditation on His Word, and quiet moments of reflection. It's about creating space in our busy lives to sit at His feet, like Mary did, choosing the better portion that cannot be taken away.

In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, carving out this time can be challenging. Yet, it is in these moments of intimate communion with Christ that we are transformed from the inside out. Like Peter and John, we begin to reflect the character and courage of Jesus, even in the face of opposition or difficulty.

The story doesn't end with Peter and John's bold proclamation. When they returned to their fellow believers, they shared all that had happened. The response of the early church is both inspiring and instructive. They lifted their voices together in prayer, acknowledging God's sovereignty and power. They didn't pray for the threats to cease or for an easy path. Instead, they prayed for even greater boldness to speak God's word and for God to stretch out His hand with signs and wonders.

Their prayer was immediately answered. The place where they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking the word of God with boldness. This powerful manifestation of God's presence serves as a reminder that when we align our prayers with God's purposes, He responds in ways that often exceed our expectations.

As we reflect on this account, we're challenged to examine our own lives. What does our private time with Jesus look like in this season? How are we adjusting our time with Him as life circumstances change, busyness increases, and new challenges arise? Are we, like the early church, praying for boldness and courage to speak God's truth, even in the face of opposition?

Jesus promised His disciples in Luke 12:11-12, "When they bring you before the synagogues, rulers, and authorities, don't worry about how you should defend yourselves or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said." This promise was fulfilled in Peter and John's lives, and it holds true for us today. When we cultivate a deep relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak and act with supernatural courage when the moment demands it.

The call to be with Jesus is not just about personal spiritual growth; it's about being equipped to impact the world around us. As we spend time in His presence, we become more like Him – more compassionate, more bold, more filled with divine wisdom and love. We begin to see the world through His eyes and respond to its needs with His heart.

So, let us ask ourselves: Have we been with Jesus? Are we allowing His presence to transform us daily? Are we seeking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live courageously for Him?

May we, like Peter and John, be known as those who have been with Jesus. May our lives radiate His love, our words carry His truth, and our actions demonstrate His power. And may we, through the boldness granted by the Holy Spirit, play our part in shaking the world for the glory of God.