February 5, 2002
On the Outside Looking In
They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. Acts 2:42:43 (NIV)
The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. All the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Acts 5:12-13 (NIV)
The people spent a great deal of time in fellowship and prayer. The spent time learning and listening. They saw many signs and wonders done by the apostles. I have often wondered of this. Why did they just watch? In looking at Acts 5 I believe we have a clue as to what is wrong and what needed to be done. The walk of a Spirit filled believer is not a time of being on the outside looking in. When I look at the people who were around the apostles, I wonder why they did not join them. After all, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for all people. They are poured forth. Yet the people just sat back and watched instead of joining the ranks of the apostles who were doing the miraculous signs and wonders. Now, does this apply to us today? Are we still of the same Holy Spirit who says he shall pour out on all people in the last days? Now, not all have all the gifts and not all have the same gifts, but we are ALL gifted. Do we choose to walk in those gifts? Are we willing to step up to the plate the apostles were at and go to bat? Now, before you answer that too quickly, look at Stephen. (Acts 6-7) He was spirit-filled and was willing, but he was killed! Now what of Paul? He did walk in the steps the Lord had chosen for him. Yet, scripture does not say he was one of the apostles. So, does this mean the gifts are not available today, because the apostles are her no longer? I say to you NO! The walk that the apostles walked was not an easy one. However, I do believe it is a walk like we are all called to walk. Are you willing to step into that depth of faith, such that illness and demons flea when you command them to go in Jesus name? Are you willing to take the persecution that will come with it? Are you willing to pay the price of the more abundant life the Lord Jesus came to give? If you are, then tell the Lord you have counted the cost are are willing to pay it. Step into the walk of the truly Spirit-filled believer. Know that mankind is going to look at you as if you are crazy. After all, like my old pastor used to tell us, “Most believers are so subnormal that when they begin to be normal they appear abnormal.” Come walk in the walk that appears abnormal, in Jesus name!
Father, I thank you for this revelation that the reason the people waited for the apostles to perform the signs and wonders was their own unwillingness to join them. Father, do not let anything hinder me or hold me back any longer. Father, I want that walk of faith. I want to do the things that Jesus did. I want to be like Jesus! Father forgive me when my faith is weak. Forgive me for being a believer on the outside looking in. Forgive me for failing you so many times. In Jesus name, you walk my steps for me. I get out of the way and give you control. In Jesus name, amen!
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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