A reading and a reflection
Acts 4: 13 – 22
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. They said, ‘What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.’ So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.’ After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.
Reflection
“Uneducated and ordinary”, does that describe me and you? It might or it might not. Does it matter to God?
I remember, many years ago, when I worked for a local authority, there was a weekly prayer and Bible study meeting. The people who attended were varied, there was a highly paid head of a department and many others like me who were in very junior posts. Some of us worked in the offices while others worked outside, repairing roads, sweeping up litter, cutting grass or emptying dustbins. The great thing about it was that during that time of prayer and Bible study we were a group of equals, rank and status did not matter, all that mattered was that we all wanted to serve God as we could.
Peter and John might not have had formal education but they were willing to be used by God to heal a lame man. They simply did what they knew they should do. They might have been “uneducated and ordinary” but they were willing to be used by God.
No matter what our perceived status in life we need that willingness to be used.
Part of being used will probably be to speak out against injustice. Part of being used will probably be to campaign on behalf of those who simply don’t have the energy to speak. Part of being used may be to help at a food bank, or to complain to your MP about the increased need for food banks. Part of being used must be to speak out about Jesus and proclaim Him as our saviour.
We can be educated or uneducated, ordinary or extraordinary, but we can be used by God if we are willing to be used as Peter and John were willing.
Prayer
Take me as I am and use me in your service.
No matter what You want me to do I will do it for You.
Loving God use me to serve you no matter what it costs
Amen