IN THE NAME OF JESUS

Acts 4:19 says, "But to keep this thing from spreading, we will want them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus."  These words became an official command by the authorities in Jerusalem.  The apostles must be told to never again use the name of Jesus in order to stop the spread of this religion.  Why?  Simple.  The apostles had said, "Only Jesus has the power to save.   His name is the only one in the world that can save anyone."




"The lame man, now healed, had caused a mighty stir.  The poor officials threatened the apostles, but to no avail.  It didn't work!  The Way spread....worldwide.




"Does His name still work today? You can't pray in school. You can't teach anything about Jesus in school.  You can use Jesus' name as a curse in movies, TV, or on the play-ground and in the locker-rooms.  But it's indecent to try and tell anyone that Jesus Christ is real, is alive, and has saved me!  Maybe I wasn't crippled enough so that others might note the difference, but believe me, I am crippled, or I was.  Not crippled in my body but how about my mind, my heart, my soul?  Wasn't I crippled?  Isn't everyone crippled in some way?  Will the Way of Jesus still spread--world-wide?"




These words, with a final prayer, were written some years ago, and I can assure you that I am still somewhat crippled, because I am far from perfect. Jesus isn't within me to make me perfect, because no one can be perfect but God.  But He has changed me, perfecting me in a process of loving me and guiding me.  Maybe, by the time I reach the Heavenly places I will see the perfecting He has done. I don't see it now.  I am a simple person.  I am human with human traits.  But, I am forgiven.




"Lord, I pray for myself and all of the people who want to be your servants.  I pray the prayer of your first disciples, witnessed in Acts 4:29,30.  "Make us brave enough to speak your message.  Show your mighty power," in us and through us.  Amen."


Jo INMN