Contemplative Bible Reading

Acts 4:13 (New International Version)

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

People looked at Peter and John, listened to Peter and John, and came to an amazing conclusion:

these men had been with Jesus

What was it about Peter and John that led to this conclusion? Did they glow? Had they acquired an unusual accent in their speech? What was it? Maybe I am trying too hard to find something that isn’t here. Maybe the people simply remembered seeing  Peter and John with Jesus. That is all they are saying.

Even if that were all there is, the people noted that. The people were astonished at how Peter and James were acting. They weren’t acting like the average or normal person. They were doing something different, something special.

What do people note about me? Am I different, special, noteworthy? Do people stop and ask about me? And what is more important, do they make any connection between me and Jesus of Nazareth?

God, help me to live in a way and a place that people take note of me and connect me to You and Your Son.