SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:14-36
OBSERVATION
The “big deal” for Peter here is not the outpouring of the Spirit. This is simply a by-product of the big deal, that Jesus is the Messiah, that He died and rose again and ascended to His throne in heaven. Jesus is in charge of the universe, and people must either accept or reject this. The outpouring of the Spirit is just evidence of this amazing claim!
APPLICATION:
We get so side-tracked by the secondary details, the “big deal” today is still that Jesus is in charge of the universe, and He rules and directs everything by the power of His Spirit. He either does this through us, if we are willing subjects, or despite us, if we reclaim closed to Him. If we surrender to His Lordship, we too will experience dramatic evidence to His power and purpose, as He works in and through us by His Spirit. Am I surrendering to Jesus as my Lord, commited to His kingdom way of humble, obedient love!
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for getting distracted by the fluff, and not surrendering each day again to Your Lordship. Use me, with Your Spirit, to love and serve others into Your kingdom. Amen.
Peter describes the happening here according to the Scriptures and the main message was everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. After describing the Spirit at work in and through His people, Peter describes the life of Christ using the Scriptures. All this was foretold – God’s presence is throughout time. We need to be encouraged of His presence here and now and forevermore. I need to live each day in that power of servibg a risen Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading through all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!