Scripture
25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed. 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
Reflection
As the crowds turned their attention to the formerly lame man now walking and leaping and praising God, Peter takes advantage of having an audience and begins to speak. As he did before, he points people away from himself (and John) and toward Jesus in whose name the man has been healed. He then reviews with the crowd the recent events concerning the death of Jesus, emphasizing that the Roman authorities wanted to free him but the Jewish leaders wanted him executed, which they achieved but God had raised him from the dead! Peter then quotes from the Old Testament that Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy which brought Peter to the place where he called for them to repent. As he said he would, Jesus is using Peter to build his church. Jesus keeps his word and he does what he said he would do (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- How do you sense God wants to involve you in building His church?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
The simplest prayer can be the most powerful: “Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be done, On earth as in heaven”.
