Passage of the Day:
The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 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.’[a] 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.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say, Acts 4:5-14.
Reflection:
Today’s passage reminds me of current events going on in the United States. As parents have voiced their concerns about the direction of their children’s education, some have been labeled terrorists. Meanwhile, devout pro-life supporters have been arrested for trying the save the lives of unborn children about to be aborted. As for John and Peter, they could not stop telling their Jewish friends what Jesus has done. After Resurrection Sunday, these once fearful disciples had become transformed spiritually, willing to risk their own lives for their newfound faith. This recent change was fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit, carrying on the ministry of Jesus following His ascension into heaven. The Great Commission filled these men with a spirit of fortitude to press on, Acts 1:8.
Prayerful Action:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,” Acts 1:8.
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
Some theologians believe the Holy Spirit that fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2 is different than the Holy Spirit accessible to modern-day Christians. This perspective held by certain denominations claim that this anointing of the Holy Spirit was limited to the first century, vanishing after the apostles and disciples passed away. However, I believe that this out pouring of the Holy Spirit still exists today, but a lack of belief, faith and generational sins have limited this anointing. As one Old Testament prophet once declared in Hosea 4:6, people perish when they lack the knowledge to succeed and or possess a clear vision for the future. When John and Peter bought into the Great Commission, this inspired them each to wake up with excitement each morning.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
As a grown adult, life can be extremely draining and exhausting. Yet, when you have something to look forward to or a goal to achieve, you have a reason to get up and go to work. In the same way, Christians who discover their spiritual gift and begin to serve God with their talent, you become active members of the Great Commission today. May the lyrics of today’s song inspire you not to give up.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 