February 14, 2002
Unschooled Men
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. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “”What are we going to do with these men?” They asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. Acts 4:13-21
I cannot help but to wonder how long it had been since these “professors of the law” had healed anyone or even seen anyone healed while practicing the law. I am sure they saw Jesus healing people, but how long had it been before then? These men had studied year in and year out on the law and the word of God and yet they did not experience this healing power. I know it seems like I am coming down real hard on the leaders of many of today’s churches, but I have to. In so many ways, many of them have become like the Sanhedrin that was present at this time. How long has it been since someone in your church was healed in this manner? What would be the reaction of the pastor if this form of healing occurred and it was done with the hands of unschooled men or women?
Unschooled men and women were the majority of those who Jesus chose to associate with on a daily basis. He still uses those who have not attended seminary or Bible School. He still uses the hands of those that are willing to be used of him. Yet, many of those who are willing to be used by him in this manner are like Peter and John. They have no formal training in the Bible. They have not attended seminary or Bible College, yet the Lord uses them mightily. This is not to say there are not those in the pastorate who experience this filling of the Holy Spirit, I am just saying that in my experience it is uncommon for them to understand and know this form of service to the Lord.
I write this to encourage those of you who have little or no formal training, who have only the understanding of the Word that the Lord has given you, and are willing to be his hands and feet in this world. We, the body, need you! We need this kind of boldness that does not care what the religious leaders think and goes on and does what the Lord wants done. We need this awesome display of the power of the Lord. Most of all, we need this willingness to be led of the Lord to do what he says, no matter what the religious powers think. Peter and John said they could not stop telling. How long has it been since you could not stop telling? How long has it been since the religious leaders in your area came after you with threats because you were performing miracles and teaching and speaking in the power and authority in the name of Jesus?
Wake up church!!! Rise from your slumber! Wake up those who are the leaders of our churches that meet in buildings. Wake up all who serve the Lord Most High. Wake and realize that we are slumbering. Wake up and realize this is the life-changing power that this world needs. Break off those bonds of tradition and doctrine. Become like Peter and John who were like Jesus! Become bold to speak out and to share with others what you have seen and experienced in Jesus, even when it does not match what the “authorities” believe and teach. You persons in the positions of leadership, I say unto you, “Arise!” Come back from the death hold the law had on the leaders of the church in the day of Peter and John. Arise and seek the face of God. Forget what you were taught in seminary. Forget what the commentaries say. Forget the traditional beliefs of your religion. Forget all this and follow Christ!!!
Father, how long will you tarry with a people who has grown cold. Forgive us, Lord, in that the shepherds of the people are teaching not what you have taught them but what they have been taught in whatever Bible College they have attended. Father, give the leaders of today’s church the boldness to lay aside the doctrine of man and to seek you with all that they are. Give them the boldness to speak what you teach them even when it does not meet what they have been taught. Father, in Jesus name, rise up the unschooled, the uneducated and give them your message. Father, in Jesus name you let us have the boldness to be the voices that cry in the wilderness, that call your word and your instruction to the people. Father, forgive me that I have not been as bold as you have called me to be. Forgive me, when I have known those in leadership were teaching only what they had been taught and now what you were saying, for not speaking up bolder and louder. Forgive me when I am timid and do not lay hands on the sick or speak forth to the demons and command them to go. Lord in Jesus name, return to us the power that was present in these early believers, amen!
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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