After Pentecost: The Disciples DeployedSample

Leveraging God-Ordained Interruptions

When the miracle Peter and John performed for the lame man drew a crowd, Peter used the opportunity to glorify God. Deflecting any and all attention or praise he and John might have received for performing the miracle, Peter gave credit where credit was due. He named Jesus as the ‘source of life’ responsible for healing the man. In doing so, he turned an isolated and potentially forgettable incident—the apostles were performing all kinds of wonders at that time—into a tangible testimony of Jesus’ continued authority over mankind.  During His earthly ministry, Jesus had done the same, not to bring glory to Himself, but to direct the attention of others to God’s perfection (John 8:54). 

Peter named Jesus as the ‘source of life’ and told people what Jesus could do for them as individuals. Tailoring the content of his message to meet the needs of the crowd, Peter answered their questions before they were voiced, demonstrating compassion and proving that the Gospel was for everyone—not just those who had already accepted it. Without altering the truth of the Gospel in any way, Peter made it accessible. When he invited the crowd to respond in faith, many of them did. 

What about you? Do you give God all the credit for what He does in and through you? Do you take opportunities to point God’s perfection out to others? Do you share the Gospel with those who need to hear it? Do you explain the truth of the Gospel in terms they can understand? Do you invite them to respond?