August 4, 2004

YOUR HOLY SERVANT

"Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus" (Acts 4:30, NIV).

This previously unknown title of Jesus was born out of a great thanksgiving prayer meeting in Jerusalem. The miraculous healing by Peter and John of the crippled beggar at the temple gate had electrified the people (see Acts 3:1-10). Troubled over this positive response by the people, the Sanhedrin took immediate steps to silence the apostles.

In a special meeting of the believers convened by the apostles, the believers erupted into a spontaneous prayer meeting. Out of this prayer meeting, the title, "Your Holy Servant," first surfaced. The title is found only twice in the Bible, and both occurrences appear in Acts 4:23-30, NIV. Energized by the Holy Spirit and encouraged by the good report from the apostles, the believers recalled in their prayer how Herod and Pontius Pilate had conspired with the people against "your holy servant Jesus" (verse 27, NIV). Next, they pleaded with God to stretch out His hand "to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus" (verse 30, NIV).

Everything about the ministry of Jesus bore the trademark of holiness: His voluntary submission to God's will, His dependence on God's power, His steadfast devotion to His mission and holiness of life. He was willing, sacrificial, obedient, faithful, and holy. Impressed by the "holy servant Jesus," the believers promised to be like Him. "They had no desire to glorify self, but sought to exalt Jesus, and to rescue souls from everlasting ruin."--Signs of the Times, January 22, 1885.

My Prayer Today: Lord, teach me how to serve in humility and holiness that I might one day reign with You in glory. Amen.