Been With Him
Act 4:13 KJV
(13) 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.
A man who recently won a British talent contest was set apart from his competition by more than just his extraordinary voice. When first seen he was almost discarded immediately, due to his plain and uncomely appearance and less than confident demeanor. Portly and jagged toothed; he definitely had none of the flash and charm that anyone might expect from the next performing star. His declaration of his dream to sing opera was also somewhat humorous given his appearance. As soon as the music track began to play, though, and his voice confidently and passionately demonstrated his heart’s expression, all perception of mediocrity was overwhelmed and lost in the flood of his exceptional God-given talent. Though possibly disqualified in most conventional ways, his performance revealed the qualification that would transform even his appearance into an element of its service. Defying all expectations, a performance that was really most impressive and moving in itself was made even that much more remarkable by the vessel from which it came.
To be perceived as anything less than handsome or beautiful and charming would, by today’s normal standards be reason to feel less than bold and confident in presenting anything of significance. Without the necessary list of degrees and positions held and lacking the requisite training and grooming there really is just no point in assuming any role of influence. Where a dream has overtaken a heart, however, all the disqualifications will be overwhelmed by the power of that dream and its conviction. For Peter and John their lack of knowledge and education actually served to more greatly demonstrate their true power, purpose and gift. It wasn’t about them. It couldn’t be explained away as something that came from them personally. The only real and reasonable explanation was that they had been with Jesus, the source of their inspiration and their dream. Their boldness and confidence didn’t come from ordinary requisites; it came from the transforming experience of their time in Jesus’ presence.
There are some among us that can ride on beauty and eloquence to a position of prominence and influence. How incredible it is, though, when God takes those that none would perceive as extraordinary to confound the judges, critics and general audience. This is actually what He will do for all who occupy their time in His presence. The natural qualifications or lack thereof will become insignificant as his glory empowers, inspires and motivates actions that can only be explained as coming from one who knows the Master. It may be that initial perceptions are less than impressive, but as soon as the music begins and the heart is lifted in Jesus-inspired expression, all reservations as to qualifications will be lost in the power of His clearly articulated and demonstrated love.
(Youtube of performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96B1PalI8vM)
