Wednesday of Holy Week
Scripture: Acts 4:8-10
NRS 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.
Devotional: In the courtyard of the high priest, Peter cursed his denial of knowing the Nazarene. His heart was ruled by fear and pride, but their reign would be brought to an end by a common rooster’s crow. As Peter was being humbled by his failure, Jesus looked him in the eye and Peter began to weep. That failure was the motivating force in Peter’s life until he shared breakfast with Jesus. The forgiveness on the shore empowered him to lead while the disciples waited for power from on high. The arrival of that power brought about the complete transformation of Peter. The one who feared the authorities was now boldly speaking against the rulers and elders in the name of Jesus Christ. In bold humility he accuses them, “The one you crucified, that God raised from the dead, has healed this man!” The coward has become the proclaimer of glory as he refocuses the crowd’s attention from the power and authority of the Sanhedrin to the power and authority of God’s Risen Son. What has changed? How does the cowardly lion become Simba returning to defeat Scar? The Holy Spirit. When Peter stood in the garden, he stood in his own power with no authority. That is the failing reality of depending upon ourselves. When we depend upon God’s strength, we can accomplish all to which He has called us. In the power of the Holy Spirit, we achieve great success that brings glory to God. The difference in courtyard Peter and the Peter standing before the authorities was the reception of power from on high. When the Spirit descended at Pentecost, it empowered him to do great and mighty things in the name of Jesus Christ. In the Spirit, he was empowered to lead, to preach, to heal and even boldly confront authorities. Such a transformation is God’s will for all of our lives. He wants the Spirit to make us into humbly bold Christians who live in ways that bring glory to Him. Do our lives reflect His will? Do our lives glorify God? Do our lives make it easy for others to believe in Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, today we pray for a renewal of Your Holy Spirit in each of our lives. We ask to feel His power surging through our bodies. We ask You to provide us an opportunity to minister to someone in the power out of this power. In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit we pray, Amen.
Song of praise: Holy Spirit performed by Kari Jobe
Spiritual discipline challenge: Today we ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in our lives. How does He want us to minister to the world in bold humility?
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