Will They Know?
Deer Creek Falls
The Grand Canyon is available to everybody. It is one of the most visited places in the world each year with nearly 5 million annual visitors. Everyone will know that you have been to Grand Canyon. You will have plenty of pictures and great stories to tell. There will be no doubt that you visited one of the 7 wonders of the world. Anybody can visit Grand Canyon and see rocks, water, animals, and people. What will set you apart from the masses?
“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.” Acts 4:13
There was nothing earthly that set Peter and John apart. They were “ordinary” men. The Sanhedrin was perplexed by Peter and John. There was nothing that they could see that separated them from the masses. Try as they may, they saw no reason for their courage and wisdom. They finally concluded one defining factor:
they had been with Jesus!
This is to be our defining attribute. There are legions of teachers, doctors, engineers, accountants, construction workers, scientists, business owners, and so on. Likewise, there are millions who visit the south rim of Grand Canyon and thousands that travel through the canyon on the river. People know what we do and where we have traveled. But do they know that we have been with Jesus?
We are commanded to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have. How do we prepare? The Genesis discussion involves many details regarding our understanding of the world we observe. We study the rocks, the plants, the people, the animals, and the universe to better understand the testimony they provide. God has clearly stated that His creation reveals plainly His invisible characteristics. As such, we seek to know and understand. We work diligently to find the most precise means of clearly and accurately communicating the witness creation proclaims. This is good and honoring to God as we obey the command to love Him with all of our mind. But our most significant means of preparation is to be with Jesus.
The days come and go in rapid succession. Day by day the people around us know that we have prepared physically, for we appear well nourished and we are dressed. People know that we have prepared for success at work, for we perform our duties with integrity and skill. But do they know we have been with Jesus? Can they tell that we have drunk deep of living water and feasted upon the bread of life? Have we been with Jesus? The Pharisees were certainly impressed with the courage and arguments of Peter and John. But they took note of only one thing; they had been with Jesus. Our Savior has called us to abide in Him. This means to stay the course, last, remain, and make our dwelling in His presence. This is not a moment, but an existence.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Coming to Grand Canyon with Canyon Ministries means coming to Grand Canyon to be with Jesus! Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care!
Praiseallujiah!
Jon
