Our Scripture today begins with a miraculous Holy Spirit–aided prison break. Peter basically walks out of prison with an angel leading him, and he goes to the home of Mary, the mother of John. When he arrives, there is a quick funny moment: When Peter knocks on the door, instead of opening the door, the servant girl runs to tell the others. She leaves Peter outside. Such a teenager move! We can only imagine Peter standing outside wondering why she didn’t just let him in. Once he sees the others, he tells the believers to spread the word about what happened. And the Good News goes out!
Meanwhile, Barnabas and Saul (who we also call Paul) are doing the same—traveling around sharing the Good News with anyone who will hear. Something important to remember is that there were still those in power who wanted to quell this movement of Christ. James, brother of John, was killed not long ago. So the risk was still great! And yet, they still went out to spread the word about what God had done.
Here is the truth: The word of God cannot be restrained … it goes out! First through Peter, and then through Barnabas and Saul/Paul. Neither prison nor the threat of harm deterred the followers from sharing the message. What is stopping you?
We often have no problem celebrating our favorite sports teams, musicians, etc., but when it comes to inviting people to church to hear the Good News, more often than not, we keep it to ourselves. Why is that? We don’t need to fear imprisonment or death. Is it because we are afraid those we invite might say no? Or worse yet, we don’t feel worthy of inviting anyone.
Regardless of the reason, the truth is we are both the greatest reason for spreading the Good News and the greatest detractor of spreading it. We need not fear, though, because God is on our side! So who are you going to invite to church this weekend?
Reflection:
- In the past, what has held you back from sharing the Good News?
- Write down three to five names of people you are going to invite either today or very soon to come to church.