Acts 5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

I’ve recently quoted verse 41, about the apostles rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus, but this verse too is very important. They didn’t just rejoice, they acted, unceasingly proclaiming God’s truth. I like the way the ESV words it: “that the Christ is Jesus.” Many people in that day were looking forward eagerly to God’s Messiah to rescue them, particularly from the Romans, so what the apostles were saying was basically, “This guy you’re looking for? His name is Jesus, and we can tell you all about Him.” They probably wouldn’t articulate it that way, but a lot of people even today are looking for a savior. We can tell them about Him, and that He isn’t just a savior, He’s the Savior, God’s answer for all the sins of mankind. However, to do that effectively, we’ve got to have an active, personal relationship with Him ourselves. Too many church members are “paper Christians,” people who’ve gone through the motions but aren’t actually born again through repentance and faith. We need to examine ourselves on that point first, to be sure that we have an ongoing relationship with the One who gave His life for us, so that we might indeed possess that life through all eternity. Anything less is a huge waste, not to mention, probably self-deception. Jesus said that on His return, He will say to many, “Depart from me! I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:23) When we truly have a relationship with Him, telling others about Him is a joy and privilege, and never a burden.

I’ve never considered myself to be particularly gifted in evangelism, but there are indeed quite a few for whom my input has been decisive in opening their hearts to Jesus as Lord. That said, I have without question failed to make the most of some of the opportunities God has given me. I need to be both available and obedient! I want what was said about the early disciples to be true of me as well. I’m certainly no better than they are! I need to be active in pursuing God’s course of action, and not be trying to figure everything out and dictate things the way I want them to be. God always has the best idea, and it is my privilege and responsibility to act as God directs by His Spirit. If I will do that, then we will become effective indeed in God’s kingdom, destroying the works of the devil and setting people free to speak, act, and believe, so that we will all be set free to delight in the goodness of God.

Father, thank You for this reminder. May I be consistently bold in my proclamation of Your Gospel, knowing that it has the power to transform lives and giving it every opportunity to do so, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!