Thursday, July 28th
Read: Acts 4
We live in a time of tolerance where we are pressured to keep our opinions, beliefs, and convictions quiet because they are likely to offend others. But when have you ever heard of revolution happen through silent, boring and overly-polite people? No where! The truth is, things happen when passionate and Spirit filled people go against the grain and do and say what they know is right even when it makes other people uncomfortable.
Peter and John were arrested for healing in Jesus’ name and letting Jesus speak truth through them. You must remember that they were in Jerusalem and the very people who put Jesus on the cross were just a “stone’s throw” away. I’m pretty sure that being arrested or persecuted were the last things on their mind and maybe they were thinking more along the lines of being put on the cross themselves.
They saw first hand Jesus conquering death (Hallelujah!) but, still, think of what might’ve crossed their minds: “If I start talking about Jesus out loud and in public, I’m probably going to be put on a cross too!” They didn’t shrink back from even the possibility of death. They followed their convictions, no matter what the cost.
We, too, know about Jesus and if we don’t start talking about truth, eternal life, and his omnipotent power others will die, and live in self destruction—for eternity. Verse 8 says Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and he let it out with boldness. He didn’t plan and worry about saying the right thing in a smart or catchy way, nor did he worry about how offended anyone would be. The jury that these men stood before couldn’t speak against the Holy Spirit! The same goes for us. We don’t need to defend ourselves because God is our defender. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and let Him speak through you and for you. They spoke up and God showed up (v.31).
Finally, Peter and John told all their buddies about the victory and they all praised the Lord for it. We should always give a good amount of time praising God for the victories in our lives. These are times for real parties. When God’s work has the victory, and the enemy is beaten back, it is truly a time to thank and praise God for His work. But it comes through trust in the Lord to provide the victory—in His way and timing. Pray for eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit is saying so that you can experience and comprehend the Lord’s sovereignty in all situations.
Process:
– What is God asking you to do for him? Are you obeying? Do you follow your convictions or try to sweep them aside?
– Have you ever asked God to fill you with the Holy Spirit? Trust Him today to bless and honor you when you step out in faith for him.
(Verses 32-37 are a good example of Christian hospitality, but this is also an example of the descriptive nature of Acts. We are not being proscribed or commanded here to sell everything and live in one community. The passage is just telling us what they did.)
Youth Department