Today’s Reading:
Acts 10:34 - 43
And we are witnesses of all that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. (Acts 10:39)
From the preceding verses of our text, there was a barrier the Lord broke between Gentiles and Jews. Jesus spoke to both Cornelius and Peter. They both met and their meeting led to the utterances of Peter in our text. Peter in this text wasn’t the same Peter who denied Jesus before and during the trial, he wasn’t the same Peter who went back fishing in John 21. It was the Peter of Acts of Apostles Chapter Two who had a divine encounter. There is no way a man would have an encounter and it will not be evident. The encounter will be seen in the way the man lives, speaks, acts or reacts. But before we look at what Peter said, there is a need for us to define two concepts and they are Encounter and Witnessing. Witnessing is to testify to what you have seen or heard. A Christian witness speaks about his encounter with Christ to unbelievers. An encounter is a point of meeting or fellowship with Christ which leaves a definite positive impact on someone’s life and which serves as a reference point in the Christian faith. Christians' encounter is a point of reference to win souls.
Peter had an encounter with the Master and some of his utterances showed it. Peter personally experienced the anointing of Jesus for healing and doing good (verse 38). He saw what Jesus did in the land of the Jews and Jerusalem (verse 39). The hanging of Jesus on a tree was not a fiction to him (verse 39). He saw the risen Lord vs. 40. He also ate with him before and after Jesus was resurrected (verse 41). So, he could describe Jesus’ body and appearance before going to and when he came back from the grave (verse 41). All of these were the basis of his witnessing because he had been commanded to do so.
An encounter brings empowerment which informs experience that strengthens one’s expression. If you cannot witness for Christ, permit me to say that you have not had an encounter or rather what you claimed to be an encounter is questionable. Peter’s encounter gave his expression power. May I ask you brothers and sisters in the Lord, have you encountered Jesus? I mean the resurrected Saviour of the world. Why is it that witnessing (telling others about the Saviour) now becomes a problem or burden to you? Some even call themselves Jehovah’s Witness which is good, but in the real sense, all children of God have been called to witness. If truly there is an encounter, you cannot keep quiet. Possibly you had an encounter indeed, but the challenges of life or unstable Christian life have affected you. Are you willing to visit Calvary today to receive a fresh encounter and start witnessing? Then bow your heart in Prayers.
JAMES ALADE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You Lord.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Oh Lord, visit me afresh for a better Christian life in Jesus' name.
Set my heart ablaze that I will not hold my peace until I speak your Word to an unbeliever in Jesus name
My Father, return me to my Bethel in the name of Jesus
I receive grace to witness passionately in Jesus' name
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