Devotionals for June 15, 2023
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READ
Acts 4:8-12, 18-20
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
REFLECT
Peter and John were being questioned by the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law regarding the healing of the lame man. These men of authority, men of power, seemed to be threatened and baffled by the power of God working in and through these ordinary men. Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, did not allow their position of authority to intimidate him. Peter boldly shared the truth about who Jesus is and about the power over life and death that Jesus possesses. Peter didn’t hold anything back. He reminded them that the very Jesus whom they chose to reject and crucify is the Messiah in whom salvation is found. This truth did not set well with these men of authority. They were so threatened by the truth they commanded Peter and John to stop teaching people about Jesus. This is where the rubber meets the road so to speak with Peter and John. They had to decide who to obey in this matter…God or these men of authority. Without hesitation, Peter and John let these rulers know in a respectful way that they must obey God by sharing His truth, and by telling others about His miracles and His teaching. It is no different for us today. Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples, which requires us to proclaim the truth about Jesus, even when sharing that truth may cause us to lose popularity amongst those in positions of authority over us.
APPLY
1) How did Peter respond to these men of authority?
2) How will you follow Peter’s example?
3) How does speaking the truth with boldness, yet respect bear witness of the character of Christ?
SING
Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music
PRAY
Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Give us grace and wisdom as we navigate opposition and difficult situations. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we can speak your word with loving boldness.
READ
Acts 4:8-12, 18-20
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
REFLECT
Peter and John were being questioned by the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law regarding the healing of the lame man. These men of authority, men of power, seemed to be threatened and baffled by the power of God working in and through these ordinary men. Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, did not allow their position of authority to intimidate him. Peter boldly shared the truth about who Jesus is and about the power over life and death that Jesus possesses. Peter didn’t hold anything back. He reminded them that the very Jesus whom they chose to reject and crucify is the Messiah in whom salvation is found. This truth did not set well with these men of authority. They were so threatened by the truth they commanded Peter and John to stop teaching people about Jesus. This is where the rubber meets the road so to speak with Peter and John. They had to decide who to obey in this matter…God or these men of authority. Without hesitation, Peter and John let these rulers know in a respectful way that they must obey God by sharing His truth, and by telling others about His miracles and His teaching. It is no different for us today. Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples, which requires us to proclaim the truth about Jesus, even when sharing that truth may cause us to lose popularity amongst those in positions of authority over us.
APPLY
1) How did Peter respond to these men of authority?
2) How will you follow Peter’s example?
3) How does speaking the truth with boldness, yet respect bear witness of the character of Christ?
SING
Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music
PRAY
Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Give us grace and wisdom as we navigate opposition and difficult situations. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we can speak your word with loving boldness.