Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 5, 2022
Read Acts 2:37-41
37 When the crowd heard this, they were deeply troubled. They said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Change your hearts and lives. Each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is for you, your children, and for all who are far away—as many as the Lord our God invites.” 40 With many other words he testified to them and encouraged them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized. God brought about three thousand people into the community on that day.
Good Morning, Repent and be saved!
Today’s passage follows the arrival of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples on Pentecost. The onlookers assumed that they had been drinking and partying. Peter defends his fellow disciples by telling the crowd that they are not drunk and it’s only 9 in the morning.
The crowd seemed to want to know more, so Peter began to share with the crowd. He begins with the words from the Prophet Joel who had prophesied about the arrival of the Holy Spirit: Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men, and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. . . .21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Peter goes on to share David’s words foretelling the arrival of the Messiah, and then tells the crowd that this Messiah, was Jesus, the one that they had crucified. Peter shared all of this history with the crowd who gathered. From these remarks, came the sadness and the question of “What should we do?” For this group, this was the first time that they heard the Good News, and 3000 people accepted Christ and were baptized on that day. What a day of rejoicing!
What about us today? We live among multitudes who have yet to hear the Good News. We may not have a crowd of 3000 gathering around us, but we have opportunities to invite one to join us in worship. Just as Jesus shared the parable of rejoicing when the one lost sheep was found, we should work to share the Good News with others so that we may find new members to join the community of faith one at a time.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We are sometimes afraid to share Your Word. We don’t think we know what to say. Help us trust that you will give us the words. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I am happiest when I can bless others by sharing God’s good news.
I sing because I’m happy! I sing because I’m free! For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me! Pastor Liz
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