Show and Tell

Acts 4:1-37 Most of us remember the days in grammar school when we would have “Show and Tell.” Our homework assignment was to bring to school something we wanted to show the class, and then we were to share with the class all we wanted to about whatever we brought to school. The items often included a baby sister or brother, a favorite pet, a special rock, etc. There is something about the combination of seeing and hearing that makes an indelible imprint upon the brain. In this passage in Acts we see how it was now show and tell time for the disciples.

The disciples had experienced many visible demonstrations of the power of God during their walk with Jesus on earth. They were full of stories to tell about the things they had seen and heard. They were just beginning their journey without the physical presence of Jesus, but the power of His Spirit was evident. While they walked with Jesus they were given the power to heal the sick and cast out demons, and now they had the awesome responsibility of carrying the gospel to every nation. Miracles and signs were already happening. The religious leaders of that day believed the fire of the followers of Jesus was put out when Jesus died on the cross, but to their amazement they now had to contend with the roaring blaze of the Holy Spirit. Yes, the Spirit of God had been given, and the fire of the Holy Spirit was spreading uncontrollably. The disciples were asked to keep silent about Jesus, and their response was, “We cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard.” They could not keep silent about the changes that had occurred in their own lives and the lives of others.

If we are true disciples of Jesus, we also should not be able to remain silent about the things we have seen and heard about Jesus. There is no such thing as a silent witness. A witness always reports everything he has seen and heard. One of the major assignments of the Holy Spirit is to give God’s Word voice on this earth. The Holy Spirit, however, does not have vocal cords. We are the ones who must supply the voice for the Holy Spirit. He tells us what we are to say, but if we remain silent, the message will not be conveyed through us, and we are the ones who will miss the blessing. I’ll never forget a young man in our church who worked his way through Georgia Tech and who had a definite call to China. He worked a night shift as a security guard and then went to school during the day. Every Sunday he was faithful not to miss church or Sunday school, but some Sundays he was so tired he could hardly hold up his head. One Sunday he felt the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge to get up to the pulpit and give a word for the congregation. He battled with submitting to this nudge and said, “Lord, I’m just too exhausted even to go up to the front.” Then he heard the still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit say, “That’s all right, son; I’ll use another.” He bolted to his feet and delivered the word God had for us that day, and it was anointed. He did not want to miss his blessing. The Holy Spirit wants to use your voice to bless another today. Don’t miss your blessing.

READ: 1 Kings 1:1-53; Acts 4:1-37; Psalm 124:1-8; Proverbs 16:24