Have You Been with Jesus Lately?
By Jill Briscoe“They (the rulers and elders) marveled. And they realized that they (Peter and John) had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
Have you noticed how much easier it is to be with Jesus’ friends than to be with Jesus? We can go away on a spiritual retreat and never manage to bump into Christ! We are far too busy having fun and fellowship!
What did it mean for the disciples to have “been with Jesus” (v. 13)? It meant they listened to His sermons and helped Him help people; they tried to do what He told them to do; they left their homes and their loved ones, and became as poor as Jesus had become. They experienced the popularity and the persecution Jesus experienced.
Being with Jesus also meant making some very special friends. Even though the “inner circle” was made up of diverse personalities, the men grew close as they spent time together. Jesus was glad about that. He wanted them to love one another and to enjoy one another’s company. But He did not want them to enjoy that fellowship more than friendship with Him.
Do you find yourself enjoying Jesus’ friends more than your Friend, Jesus? Give yourself a little test. Count up the hours you’ve spent with Christian friends this last month. Then count up the hours you’ve spent with your Best Friend, Jesus. That should tell you something!
The world will take notice and marvel when we’ve “been with Jesus,” but not necessarily when we’ve been with Jesus’ friends! I love to be with Christian people, but when I begin to love that more than being with Christ, it’s time to look at my priorities and change some things!
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