When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13
Dear Jesus, this simple story is simply what I need this morning. Peter and John, two unschooled, ordinary fishermen were noticeably different and engaged in life because “these men had been with Jesus”—with you, the same Lord who lives in our hearts and rules all things from heaven. More than anything else I need fresh, vital fellowship with you, Jesus.
Though it’d be nice to astonish others and hear comments like, “He’s obviously been with Jesus. What else could explain his merciful heart for the broken; his outrage in the face of injustice; his calm in the midst of provocations. What other motivation would he have for loving so boldly, forgiving so deeply and giving so generously? He’s been with Jesus, alright.” Jesus, as nice as that would be, that’s not at all what I’m thinking about and longing for this morning.
Jesus, I don’t really care what people think or don’t think about me right now, what they say or don’t say about me. I crave fresh fellowship with you in the core of my being. Union with you by faith is one thing, but vital heart engaged communion with you is quite another. I’ve got great theology, I want Spirit-generated doxology.
Doing things for you is not the same thing as spending life-giving time with you. Thinking great thoughts about you is not the same thing as connecting intimately with you. Helping others understand the gospel is not the same thing as crying out with the Psalmist,
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.” (Ps. 63:3-5 ESV)
Come, Holy Spirit, come. Ignite within each of our hearts renewed affections and life-changing communion with Jesus. That’s what we need and want more than anything else. We pray with famished and expectant hearts, in Jesus’ most gracious and loving name.
