Today’s Scripture: Acts 10-12
We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Can you imagine a farmer “trusting the Lord” for a good corn crop but never bothering to take the seed out of the storage bin and plant it? Although bringing life from the seed is the work of God, He expects the farmer to be involved in the process.
The same principle of cooperation is true of witnessing, and we see it clearly in the book of Acts 2, when thousands responded to his message about salvation.
As I read of Peter’s exploits, I say to myself, What a man! What an outstanding example of Christian witness. And it’s true. Peter was truly a mighty man of God. But the last verse of Acts 2 puts it all back into perspective: “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Although the fruit of witness is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work, the Lord uses people to accomplish it.
Remember the story of Cornelius the centurion? “One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, ‘Cornelius!…Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter’” (Acts 10:3-5).
Why didn’t the angel just say, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved?” Why send someone to Joppa to find Simon Peter? Because God uses people, not angels, as His witnesses to Christ.
Christian, what a privilege we have to cooperate with God in telling others of His salvation in Christ.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the privilege I have to join You in Your work. Amen.
To Ponder
The fruit of our witness is up to the Lord.
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 