November 3, 2004

THE ACCREDITED MAN

"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him" (Acts 2:22, NIV).

The apostle Peter piles proof upon proof that Jesus of Nazareth was an extraordinary man fully accredited by God Himself. He offers sound proof that Jesus was precisely who He claimed to be.

Christ's credentials were not issued by the Sanhedrin or any other prestigious ecclesiastical or academic institution. He was duly accredited by the most High God Himself. In his address, Peter reminded the people of the Jesus who had lived among them. He was the extraordinary Man whom they had seen, known, and heard; the One who lived and moved among them in person; the Man who publicly went about doing good; the One who proved by His "miracles, wonders and signs" (Acts 2:22, NIV) that He was indeed the Son of the living God.

If any one questioned Christ's qualifications, he or she needed only to ask blind Bartimaeus, the widow of Nain, the former demoniac of Gadara, the disabled man at the pool of Bethesda or the multitudes who had been healed, saved, and delivered by the touch or command of God's accredited Man. No one could attempt to deny such powerful proof. They, with Peter, were eyewitnesses of the deeds of Jesus Christ.

As products of Christ's redeeming and transforming grace, we can rejoice in the assurance that He is our accredited Saviour, Intercessor, and soon-coming King. "With clearness and power Peter bore witness of the death and resurrection of Christ: 'Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, [was] a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.' "--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 41.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I confidently claim Your redeeming grace and power as the One accredited by God to be my Saviour. Amen.