jesus wants you in his army
"They brought Peter and John before them and began the interrogation in this fashion: 'By what power or in whose name have men of your stripe done this?' " —Acts 4:7
Peter was a wimp and a "chicken." He denied Christ three times because his fear was stronger than his love. Peter was a "loudmouth." He publicly announced that he would die rather than deny Christ — no matter what anyone else did (Mk 14:29-31).
Peter was chosen by Jesus to be the first leader of the Church, that is, the first Pope. The Lord does not choose the qualified as much as the "call-ified." "God chose those whom the world considers absurd to shame the wise; He singled out the weak of this world to shame the strong. He chose the world's lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something; so that mankind can do no boasting before God" (1 Cor 1:27-29). The Lord chooses "uneducated men of no standing" to amaze the world in how He can do such great works through such poor instruments (Acts 4:13). The Lord chooses the extreme cases so that we may become examples of God's mercy to those who would "later have faith in Him and gain everlasting life" (1 Tm 1:16).
Jesus has chosen you to witness for His resurrection. Are you qualified? No. Are you called? Yes. Go. Go now.
Prayer: Father, use me up for love of Jesus. Consume me (Heb 12:29).
Promise: "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved." —Acts 4:12
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who holds "the keys of death and the nether world" (Rv 1:18). I will live forever in Jesus! Alleluia forever!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on A Prophetic Lifestyle on audio AV 75-3 or video V-75.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, November 15, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 16, 2001