Today I’m getting lots of little impressions from various verses…
Scripture:
Acts 5:30 “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by crucifying him.”
Observation:
It struck me that even at this point, Peter didn’t even fully understand God’s plan for Christ, nor did he understand his culpability. Peter was just as guilty as the pharisees, and just as guilty as me.
Scripture:
Acts 5:38-39 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
Observation:
I like this guy (Gamaliel, an expert on religious law and popular with the people) – he’s level headed, and seems to have a “wait and see” attitude.
Application:
Those qualities remind me of Rick – they’re qualities I admire. Just a couple days ago I journaled about the vastness of God’s plan vs the blip of my life. My tendency is to gather the troops and raise the torches – if I’m viewing life and time from God’s perspective, “wait and see” is really a better reaction.
Scripture:
Acts 5:42 “Every day, in the Temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: ‘The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus.’”
Observation:
That really is a great message, it’s still relevant, and it’s true for everyone. We’re all looking for a savior, we all have a sense of inadequacy. And the message is no less relevant to Christians – we’re not “saved” once when we make that first commitment – it’s really the start of an entire life humbling itself to be rescued over and over and over again.
Application:
I can think of personal situations and situations of friends to which we must remember: “The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus.” I would do well to apply it more frequently.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for speaking to me today, thank you for meeting me. Please help me be less like me, and more like you.