Friday, September 22, 2017
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 17:11b ... they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily ...
DOWN-REACH FOR YOUR MISSION-MINDED MINISTRY
The Apostle Peter was such an eager disciple for Jesus, wasn't he? Remember when he asked to come to Jesus on the water (Matthew 14:28-29)? It didn't take Peter long to sink, though, when he lost focus on Jesus. Peter had a lot left to learn. But so do we!
IN-REACH to our fellow church members, OUT-REACH to anyone in our daily life, and yes, even the UP-REACH of prayer really all are nothing without the DOWN-REACH of Jesus' blessing in Word and Sacrament. In other words, because we have so much to learn like Peter did (who walked on water!), we are not going to be ready to do any in-reach, out-reach, or up-reach until the Lord showers His wisdom, understanding, patience, and love down on us through the reading and hearing of His Word!
The early church in the passages above didn't have some clever new way to share the gospel. Both passages above showed that "they continued steadfastly" and "received the word ... daily" to learn and grow in their knowledge, appreciation, and application of Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil. They grew in the wisdom of Jesus' doctrine and teachings and that Godly wisdom was blessed in their ministry for Christ's kingdom!
Christ forgives us too for doubting like Peter did and sinking in our fears of failure and sinfulness. But Jesus continues to reach down to pick us up as He teaches us to rely on Him alone in whatever we do in word or deed. A mission-minded ministry is truly blessed as it begins with continuous learning from God's Holy Word and the faithfulness of Christ. He is faithful to fuel our prayer life for a ministry that reaches IN to the lives of our fellow Christians, and OUT to all the world with the Word of eternal life through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
