Barriers fall

In Acts chapters 2 and 3 we see two significant barriers to the spread of the gospel overcome.

First, on the day of Pentecost, we see that different languages could not stop the spread of the gospel. As they departed the upper room, they entered a city packed with persons from, as Luke records it, "every nation under heaven." Moving about in this sea of pilgrims, each of the 120 believers was able to communicate the message about Christ in a language that was known and understood by someone. God wanted the message proclaimed, and he was not going to let something like language serve as a barrier.

This miracle of both speech and hearing ("we hear them declaring the wonder of God in our own tongues!") was followed by Peter's powerful sermon and resulted in thousands of persons coming to faith in Christ.

Soon after, on another day, Peter and John were making their way to the temple to pray when they encountered a man lame since birth. We don't know much about this man, but we can assume that he must have been brought to this spot daily in order to beg. As Peter and John came near the man asked for money. Peter, who had found a new boldness since Pentecost, looked right at the man, as did John. "Look at us," he said. The man, hoping for a handout, got something totally unexpected. Peter, who probably wasn't carrying either paper or plastic money, took the man by the hand and instructed him to walk. As he did this he declared that this healing was in "the name of the Jesus Christ of Nazareth."

The man not only stood, he began to walk and jump. And wouldn't you? I think I would be inclined to "bust a move" and dance.

This miracle led to the second opportunity for Peter to preach - and preach he did.

Here's one of the key lessons, in my opinion. God will not let any barrier stand in the way of the declaration of truth - of getting the message out. The language barrier fell on the day of Pentecost, and here, a few days later, we find that a person's circumstance will not keep him from responding to the clear message of good news, if he is open to receive that truth.

And, like the first century, in the 21st century God is still working miracles and using his people to get the message out.

He used Peter and John to heal a lame man and to boldly declare the gospel. How would you like for him to use you?