CHRIST'S RESURRECTION AND GREAT GRACE

"And with great power gave the apostle's witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:33)

There is no gathering of believers that could not use a healthy dose of "great grace." That is a condition where those in Christ gain the advantage, and become adequate to the challenges that face them. It is also a time when Christ and His great salvation are most clear and accessible to the heart. How we must covet such a state: great grace!

During the time covered by our text, the disciples were beginning to experience some serious opposition. At the first, believers had "favor with all the people" (Acts 2:47). But, alas, that favor was short-lived. Soon the captain of the temple, the priests, and the Sadducees "came upon them." They were "grieved," or "disturbed," because the disciples "taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead" (Acts 4:1-2). Some were imprisoned. Peter and John were judged, beaten, and charged to refrain from such speaking. How would the children of God respond to such things?

As soon as Peter and John were "let go," they went "to their own company" and reported the happenings (Acts 4:23). When the disciples heard their words, they lifted up a fervent prayer to God, asking for boldness to speak the Word, and for confirmation of that word (4:24-30).

Heaven could not keep quiet. As soon as they had prayed, "the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness" (4:31). A wave of Divine glory swept through their presence, dwarfing the threats of their enemies, and loosing their tongues. In the wake of this glory, the believers are said to have had all things common, being one heart and soul.

In this marvelous atmosphere, the Apostles witnessed to the resurrection of Christ with "great power." The reality and effectiveness of that resurrection burst upon the hearts of the people. The result–"And great grace was upon them all." Divine favor was upon them, and realized by them. That grace outweighed the threats of their enemies. It was so powerful that many disciples sold of their land and houses, and laid the proceeds at the Apostle's feet.

If the church desires a resurgence of this type of grace, it must again major on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The favor of God will surround the church when the glorious resurrection and life of His son captures their attention. God Himself is preoccupied with Jesus. He will be kindly disposed to any and every soul who perceives, and desires to know "the power of His resurrection."

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ grant Your servants power to confidently declare His resurrection.

-- Monday: MIRACLES, WISDOM, AND PREACHING --