23 February 2020
Devotion
Boldness in Christ
At the beginning of chapter 2, we read about the disciples’ encounter with the Holy Spirit and the miracle that follows in their ability to speak in other languages. Alongside this, we see another great miracle. A miracle of a powerful personal transformation. Not even two months earlier, the apostle Peter denied that he knew Jesus because he was scared for his own safety. At Pentecost, however, we see a radical transformation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter goes from being too scared to say that he even knows Jesus to boldly standing before thousands in Jerusalem proclaiming the gospel.
Sometimes it is easy for us to be scared to step out in what God has called us to do. We often question ourselves: “Did God really say that?” “What will people think?” What we see at Pentecost is a new level of boldness that has been given to us by the Holy Spirit. During this time of prayer and feasting, let us take the time to thank God that the Holy Spirit not only empowers us, but gives us a new boldness to step into what He has called us to do.
Prayer
God, I thank You for the work You did at Pentecost and ask that You would continue the same work in me. I ask that You would empower me and give me a new boldness to reach the people in my community.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Acts 2:36-39 (HCSB)
Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!” When they heard this, they came under deep conviction and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what must we do?” “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.
Acts 4:13 (HCSB)
When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.
