The time immediately after the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost was an important time for the infant church. God was showing them, through many amazing signs, what heavenly resources were available to them. The apostles were laying the foundation of the church for all ages, so it was important that their witness was attested by signs and wonders. Such was the power working through Peter and the apostles that people expected even his shadow to heal them. We get a picture here of a different Peter than the overconfident, hot-headed man who tried to correct Jesus when he spoke of suffering and, in response to whom, Jesus said: ‘Get behind me Satan” (Matthew 16). Something happened between then and now that produced a new Peter. In short, to use the illustration I used yesterday, Peter went through quarantine. All of the worst in this man was brought out when he denied Jesus three times, and the old Peter ended up in broken pieces. It was from the broken pieces that God made the new man that we see here. God wants to renew you continually. He is calling you into new experiences and a new measure of responsibility. But you must go through quarantine first. He will open up your bags and bring the worst in you to light. It won’t be easy for you or for those who have to endure the worst of you. But, if you respond to God and recognise your need, it will be profoundly liberating. God builds his best people out of broken pieces.
Ask God to continue to transform your life and break open the things that hold you back.
Read Acts 5:12-16
