Devotionals for June 14, 2023
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READ
Acts 3:12-21
12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. 17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
REFLECT
When all the worshipers at the Temple saw the Lord heal the lame man through Peter, they were astonished. It seems that miraculous answers to prayer turn people’s heads and pique their interest and curiosity. We see that throughout the gospels and in our lives today. When Peter recognized he had a captive audience, he seized the opportunity to point these witnesses to Jesus, the author of life, whom they had rejected. He quickly pointed out it was by Jesus’ power and authority along with the lame man’s faith that made him well. Not only did Peter tell the people about Jesus, he also boldly, yet lovingly, pointed out their sin of rejection. He went on to call them to repentance and belief so their sins would be wiped out. Here is the thing, we too are presented with an opportunity in our everyday lives to point people to Jesus. We must be ready and intentional in our interactions with the people God has placed before us.
APPLY
1) What did Peter do with the people’s astonishment?
2) Is there anyone in your life that has shown an interest or curiosity about your faith in Christ? How will you follow the example of Peter?
3) What will you do this week to be more intentional and ready to share your faith with the people God puts before you?
SING
My Testimony by Elevation
PRAY
Give us today our daily bread. Lord, make us ready at all times to speak your truth and help the people you have placed before we know you.
READ
Acts 3:12-21
12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. 17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
REFLECT
When all the worshipers at the Temple saw the Lord heal the lame man through Peter, they were astonished. It seems that miraculous answers to prayer turn people’s heads and pique their interest and curiosity. We see that throughout the gospels and in our lives today. When Peter recognized he had a captive audience, he seized the opportunity to point these witnesses to Jesus, the author of life, whom they had rejected. He quickly pointed out it was by Jesus’ power and authority along with the lame man’s faith that made him well. Not only did Peter tell the people about Jesus, he also boldly, yet lovingly, pointed out their sin of rejection. He went on to call them to repentance and belief so their sins would be wiped out. Here is the thing, we too are presented with an opportunity in our everyday lives to point people to Jesus. We must be ready and intentional in our interactions with the people God has placed before us.
APPLY
1) What did Peter do with the people’s astonishment?
2) Is there anyone in your life that has shown an interest or curiosity about your faith in Christ? How will you follow the example of Peter?
3) What will you do this week to be more intentional and ready to share your faith with the people God puts before you?
SING
My Testimony by Elevation
PRAY
Give us today our daily bread. Lord, make us ready at all times to speak your truth and help the people you have placed before we know you.