Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “rulers and elders, of the people, if we are on trial for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well. . .by the name of Jesus Christ this man stands before you in good health.” Acts 4:8-10
How are the encounters in your life with those who likely may not know Jesus, or at least who do not truly live by Christian faith? From Acts 4, Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, consider how to negotiate your present setting for the sake of the opportunity.
THE STORY
In Acts 3, Peter and John had entered the temple for prayer and were empowered by God to pronounce healing on a beggar that had been crippled all of his life. (The language of Acts 3:1 uses an imperfect verb to indicate that Peter and John frequently went to the temple.) They saw opportunity, negotiated their routine, and God used them to bring healing. But this healing upset many of the religious leaders (because of the excitement that ensued from the healing), and the temple officials attempted to quieten the apostles by having them arrested. Peter and John were allowed to appear before the council of the Sanhedrin. This was an intimidating gathering. (According to the writings of the Mishnah, the Sanhedrin formed a semi-circle, with the accusers standing inside the gathering.) But Peter and John did not resist the authority gathered around them that day. Having been filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter respectfully addressed the religious leaders. (This body of 71 officials was comprised of the High Priest rulers, tribal family heads, elders, and teachers of the law. Peter showed respect by addressing them with the appropriate, “rulers and elders.”). Peter then stated the issue of the crippled man’s healing and commenced to point all attention to Jesus. Peter laid hold of this monumental opportunity for Jesus to be lifted up and spoke the clear and simple truth of the change Jesus brings.
OUR APPLICATION
Notice something very simple and yet powerful. In chapter 3, Peter and John negotiated their schedule when entering the temple, and God used them to heal the crippled man. In chapter 4, Peter negotiated his own personal interests before the Sanhedrin by speaking clearly about the Gospel instead of defending himself or bargaining for his own freedom.
Opportunity for conversation about Jesus was clearly manifested because of a simple negotiation with the present setting. Peter and John did not mind diverting from their routine to pay attention to the opportunity right in front of them (the lame man). Peter did not mind laying aside his own personal interests to speak the truth respectfully but clearly (the Sanhedrin). Both opportunities were amazingly strategic in the Gospel moving forward in the first century. And Peter and John were simply willing to negotiate their present setting by stepping into an open opportunity to speak about Jesus.
I wonder how many opportunities we miss- opportunities we literally do not see, because we have been conditioned not to negotiate our present setting. What would happen if you and I began our day with this prayer:
“God, today give me your eyes to see opportunities to speak a word for Jesus. Help me to negotiate any part of my setting (my schedule and my time) so that I can embrace the opportunities you provide.”
Opportunity is one of our greatest constants in life. Today, see your present setting as negotiable. And never see the opportunity as expendable. May we step through every door to speak a good word for Jesus.
Blessings,
Ken
