Here is our opening remarks by Eugene Peterson that warn us about the folly of being merely impressed by Jesus and the acts of his believers. As we read Acts, penned by Luke, one of the gospel writers, let us absorbed ourselves in the thought of God is living in US. Alive and well, working and living in and through US.

Introduction:
Because the story of Jesus is so impressive–God among us! God speaking a language we can understand! God acting in ways that heal and help and save us!–there is a danger that we will be impressed, but only be impressed. As the spectacular dimensions of this story slowly (or suddenly) dawn upon us, we could easily become enthusiastic spectators, and then let it go at that–become admirers of Jesus, generous with our oh’s and ah’s, and in our better moments inspired to imitate him.

It is Luke’s task to prevent that, to prevent us from becoming mere spectators to Jesus, fans of the Message. Of the original quartet of writers on Jesus, Luke alone continues to tell the story as the apostles and disciples live it into the next generation. The remarkable thing is that it continues to be essentially the same story. Luke continues his narration with hardly a break, a pause perhaps to dip his pen in the inkwell, writing in the same style, using the same vocabulary.

The story of Jesus doesn’t end with Jesus. It continues in the lives of those who believe in him. The supernatural does not stop with Jesus. Luke makes it clear that these Christians he wrote about are no more spectators of Jesus than Jesus was a spectator of God–they were in on the action of God, God acting in them, God living in them. Which also means, of course, in us.

Are we in on the actions of God? Is God alive and well in us?

Dear Heavenly Father, As we take a fresh look at Your Word penned by Luke, may Your Holy Spirit teach us, renew our minds, restore the joy of our salvation, and remember that You live in us. Take over. I’m Yours. I believe.
In Jesus Name, Amen