Results of Approval

It requires faith for God’s approval, but there are supernatural results.

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Acts 2:22 – Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

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All my life, when someone has said or done something that was considered right, good, and worthy of recognition, approval was registered in some way.  It could have been a simple statement such as, “Good,” or “Well-done.”  If it was worthy of extreme notoriety by cultural or social standards, approval might be registered through some reward or special recognition.  Are you aware that Father God has plans for us at the close of time?  He will say to those who have been born again and lived a life pleasing to Him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

But even before that, Father as a distinctive way of indicating about those who are His and pleased Him His approval they have gained.  Take a moment to read our Text for Today once again.  There you will see the words that Jesus was “a man approved of God among you BY MIRACLES AND WONDERS AND SIGNS, WHICH GOD DID BY HIM IN THE MIDST OF YOU.”  There it is.  Do you see it?  It’s clearly said.  We know that Jesus was “a man approved of God.”  We know, according to the Scriptures that Jesus achieved that status, not only because He was the only begotten Son of God, but because He always did those things that pleased the Father.  And in that light, we must never forget that “without faith it is impossible to please God.”  It was Jesus’ total walk in faith that pleased Father.  And it was on that pleasing of the Father that His approval of God was based.  And following approval comes demonstration of that approval.  In that arena, dear one, God is faithful.

Father’s approval of Jesus came through Jesus’ faith walk, but Father’s demonstration of that approval came through the works that Father did through Jesus.  Once again, look at our Text for Today.  Father’s demonstration of approval for Jesus came “by miracles and wonders and signs.”  The point I make here is in no way intended to belittle or demean any man’s walk with the Lord.  I simply make an observation that must apply to all, especially self (myself).  What “miracles and wonders and signs” are being seen through my ministry; through your ministry.  I am not writing only to those in the five-fold ministry, but to every person who has been born again, to whom has been given the “ministry of reconciliation.”  If we will be honest with ourselves, we must recognize this powerful truth.  A large part of what we see happening (not happening) through our lives as believers is based on our being “approved of God among men.”  Think on these things, let them illuminate our lives, and let us walk in that approval.

Manna for Today – Acts 2:13-41; Mark 16:15-20; Acts 10:38; John 8:29; Hebrews 11:6; John 14:12-14;  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

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