Have you ever felt backed into a corner because of your faith? Have you ever felt threatened? There are plenty of believers today and throughout history who have suffered persecution for believing and trusting in Jesus. Most of us live in a place where we have freedom of religion, but even so, Christians seem to take a hit more times than not.
If we could all take heed of how Peter and John handled themselves here. Perhaps I should clarify and say, if we allow the Holy Spirit to take control, this world would look a lot different. Just because we’re Christians, doesn’t mean we are safe from the evil one’s grip. In fact, we are even more prone to be used for evil. That’s why we have to be all the more vigilant and stay connected to Jesus. We need to examine our behaviors and make sure we are aligned properly, acting in a way pleasing to God.
Let’s take a look at what we see happening in today’s story. I have to admit I teared up a bit at the boldness of Peter. I only hope the Holy Spirit speaks through me so eloquently.
I’m sure the priests and leaders were frustrated at the turn of events. Here they thought they had done away with the “trouble-maker,” Jesus. Now there are two common folks throwing the name of Jesus around, doing miraculous things, and getting the people all riled up again. Riled up in a good way, that is.
The message is clear and in a nutshell Peter says, “For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” There it is. The gospel proclaimed. Jesus is the only way! If the religious leaders believed this, even just a little, it would rock their world.
The people believed. The church was growing. There was a lot of praising God taking place. Simply awesome!
The word “propaganda” made me smirk. They still had no clue did they? I loved what Peter said when ordered to never speak the name of Jesus again. “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?” That’s a question we can all ask. Whose law do we really want to obey? Whose authority do we trust? We may live in a place where rules and laws contradict our beliefs. We have to make the decision that is right for us, realizing we may end up in jail like Peter and John did in our reading.
How bold are you in your faith? Think on that today.
Let’s pray. Father God I come to you on my knees in humble adoration. You have used ordinary people to further your kingdom. I am so honored and delighted to have the opportunity to be one of them. With you inside me, I am extraordinary. I thank you for your power, provision and peace. I do hope that if a time comes for me to stand up for you in a confrontational situation I remain steadfast, bold and true to you no matter what. I stand against the devil and all his schemes to control me. I know that he is shaking in his boots because of my love and dedication to you. Let’s do this, together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Never let an opportunity to share about Jesus go by. Sometimes we get so caught up in our busyness that we fail to see these God moments right before us. Peter and John had a great opportunity to witness in today’s reading. Instead of giving the man what he was asking for, they gave him a gift he didn’t even dare ask for. Healing.
I wish every church could look like this community of believers. I have thought over the years we should just go back to the basics, to the beginning. There is so much we can learn from these believers. Let’s take a deeper look.
Peter takes advantage of this huge audience. Actually, you might say the Holy Spirit took over. Peter spoke with authority. People listened. We hear that 3,000 people were baptized and added to the church that day. The words and truths Peter shared would have shaken the people’s understanding of faith.
As a bit of background the Festival of Pentecost is traditionally celebrated 50 days after the Passover. It is also known as the Feast of Harvest or Feast of Weeks in Jewish tradition. We know that Jesus was crucified at the Passover and visited his friends over the next 40 days. The events of today’s reading were happening a little over a week after Jesus ascended to heaven telling his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit.
