The Torch Bearers

1119/10,000 The Torch Bearers

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4 v 13



Believers are vessels of clay holding a torch of fire like Gideon’ s volunteer soldiers. We are ordinary people who have been brought out of darkness or ignorance regarding our own origin, meaning of life, purpose and destiny. Now that these questions have been answered in Christ we are now torch-bearers for this generation. The rulers, elders and teachers of the time before whom Peter and John were arraigned on a charge of heresy saw that Peter and John were fearless and full of conviction. They knew that they were ordinary fishermen and wondered to themselves how they could communicate so boldly, knowledgeably and clearly. They realized that it was the impact of having spent time with Jesus. They realized that these ordinary men spoke with greater authority and power than they themselves with their titles,learning, positions and possessions.

When we spend time at the feet of Jesus, we become learned. He will give us the tongue of the learned and will teach us what to speak and when to speak. He will fill us with the Holy Spirit as He filled Peter so that he spoke with boldness defending his actions and explaining his faith. Signs and wonders will be wrought through us even as Peter raised up the crippled man and asked him to “ walk in the name of Jesus.” Peter told the crippled man who was begging at the gate of the temple, “ Silver and gold have I none but such as I have I give thee.” Jesus will teach us to use what we have to fulfil the need of people.

Our belief in Jesus defines us, describes us and drives us. His presence distinguishes us. It becomes the defining characteristic of our lives- that we have spent time with Jesus. We derive our sense of purpose and power from Jesus. Peter and John’s lack of schooling or gifting or exposure or finances did not limit their impact or effectiveness. Similarly, when Jesus is with us and we are with Him, we lack nothing, we lack no good thing. He supplies what we need. Spending time with Jesus is the one habit of highly effective believers. We must enter His presence as an empty vessel and lower ourselves in humility and repentance as He fills us with the Holy Spirit. As He fills us and anoints us, the torch of fire is lit in us.

Prateep V Philip