There’s a few things that I love about this Scripture and how it applies to us today. I pray that you will read the Scripture carefully and ask God to impress upon you the truth of the message He knows that you need today. There are many who are unsaved, so I am convinced that this message is probably more applicable today than it has ever been. Read or listen to the whole devotional today!
DATE POSTED Thursday, 2022-01-13
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL
BY: Ed Algreen
SCRIPTURE FROM: Acts 4:13-14; 18-20
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)
BIBLE TEXT: 13-14 They couldn’t take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed!—what could they say against that? 18-20 They called them back and warned them that they were on no account ever again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John spoke right back, “Whether it’s right in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.”
APPLICATION: I believe that most will agree that too many Christians assume regular church attendance satisfies the God who saved them, and that they serve such an understanding God, He is Ok with how much, or how little they do for the Kingdom. Why is that? Do you suppose it may be that their church attendance is very similar to their habitual watching of Television, where they just sit and relax while being entertained? Let’s look at what the religious leaders faced with Peter and John, and perhaps this might open our eyes for clarity on this matter. Somehow, they were not overly threatened when they realized that these two disciples were unlearned in the Scriptures, for they had not taken extended studies on the Bible like the church leaders of their day did. While I believe that seminary serves an important role in educating the religious leaders of our day, I can find no place in Scripture where this is given as a prerequisite to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So I would encourage every reader to not sit back and leave all witnessing and outreach to your pastor, but to always do your part in sharing what Jesus has done for you. I don’t believe God ever intended for you to share what you think the Pastor will share. Instead, God wants you to share your personal experience with your Lord. Peter and John were simple fishermen, yet they not only got the attention of their hearers, but also of the town leaders. I am convinced that people respond better to our true and honest experience with the Lord, than they would to any story we might share with them. Of course using Bible stories, miracles and any other Biblical experiences only support what Jesus also did in your life, but your friends will identify better with your personal experience. I included the latter verses in our focal Scripture today, because I wanted to remind you how personal our relationship could get. Peter and John told the leaders that even if God wants them to respect their worldly leaders, there is nothing that can take away from their personal, one-on-one, intimate relationship with their Savior. Friends, I strive for that type of relationship! How about you? I believe the joy of that will just overflow through everything we share with others!
BLESSING(S) NOTED: We are quick to brag on our spouse, our kids and our extended family. Why wouldn’t we also do the same for the relationship experiences with our Savior? I believe it will be a natural thing to do!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You willingly went to the cross for us, and I believe you would do it again, if it became necessary. You were never ashamed of Your Father, and Your love for us was always evident. May we never be ashamed of the One who rescued us from a life of sin, headed for eternal damnation. May this be such a part of our life that it will be evident to the lost world around us, and may our actions and words always confirm who our Master is. Forgive us Lord when we allow the distractions of this world to take priority in our witness. Please strengthen and embolden us to always be Your best witness and ambassador while allowed to remain here on earth. AMEN!