Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 18, 2023
Acts of the Apostles 2:32-35, 36-39
32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Good Morning, Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Today’s passage is part of Peter’s teaching on the day of Pentecost (50 days after the resurrection) when the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured upon the believers. Remember the story of speaking in tongues and the roar of the wind. The passersby asked if those who were gathered were drunk. Peter then begins to share his beliefs and experience with those who have come to see what all the noise is about.
Before this day, the disciples spent much time hiding and fearing persecution, but now was the time for them to continue the ministry of Jesus for which they had been called. It seems that Peter had not planned to speak this day but found the words placed upon his heart and lips by God. This is his first real sermon. As someone who only began my ministry of preaching a couple of years ago, I remember standing up to preach that first time very vividly. Of course, I knew in advance that I was delivering a message, so much work was invested in putting together my thoughts (the thoughts placed upon my heart by God).
Praise be to Peter, who had three times denied Christ when put to the test and had been chastised for having little faith when he started to sink into the water, to stand and trust that God would fill him with the word. He wasn’t just sharing his own testimony; he was sharing the prophecies of the Old Testament to confirm Jesus as the Messiah. When he finished, those in the crowd came to understand Peter’s words and asked, “What shall we do (to get right with God)? Peter then shared the Gospel message, “Repent and be saved!”
41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. This group continued gathering and worshiping God as they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles. They could be called the first mega-church.
What about us? Are we ready to truly devote ourselves to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles? Recommit yourself today and serve Christ with joy in your heart.
Loving God, We thank you! You loved us so much that you sent your Son to save us. Sometimes we take Your gift for granted. Open our hearts so that we may embrace the Gospel message for all our days. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: There is no such thing as a small act of kindness.
Embrace God’s gift! Pastor Liz
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