ARE YOU CHARGED UP TO PERFORM DARING ACTS FOR JESUS?

May the electric charge of God’s Spirit and His powerful Word fill you and compel you to do some daring act for Jesus this week.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES                    by Sally Bair

Daring acts

Kids often turn their play into daring stunts. On a dare, some have been known to lick a frozen flagpole, leap across a chasm or touch an electric fence. They even dare others to touch that fence while holding hands with someone else when the grass is wet. We know the results. The fence’s electric charge travels through everyone daring—or dumb—enough to hang on. Adults play daring games, too, especially in extreme sports.

Those who follow the living God are called to step out in daring acts. The shepherds, fearful yet obedient, left their sheep to visit a stable where Jesus was born. The disciples left their life’s work to follow Him. Peter dared to obey Jesus by stepping from his boat into the water. At Pentecost, the followers waited for an unknown touch by God’s Spirit.

Christians throughout the world have faced, and still face, persecution or death by their daring behavior because the “electric charge” of God’s Word and Spirit has compelled them to touch others. They speak out in forbidden places. They transport Bibles and other Christian literature to secret areas. They read and teach and worship behind closed doors, knowing an enemy may burst in, ready to punish or kill.

Jesus also would have us dare to share His politically incorrect Word wherever we go—even in forbidden places. We may be fearful as the shepherds were. We may be hesitant to upset society’s “rules.” We may be reluctant to risk changing the emotional atmosphere within our own families. Or we may be as daring as Peter in stepping out of our own life boat.

Are we daring enough to follow Jesus as He would have us do? He promises the best rewards ever. The shepherds had the privilege of seeing the face of God. Peter dared to accept the challenge of uncertain waters. Jesus’ followers received the dramatic, life- and world-changing power of the Holy Spirit. Persecuted believers live by that same power in the worst circumstances while being filled daily with God’s power, peace and joy.

 The Bible says His Word is living and active, “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Lord, fill us with the electric charge of Your Spirit so we will be bold enough to share Your living Word. Guide us as we reach out and touch those in need, allowing Your charge to fill them, too. In Jesus’ name, amen.