5/28/2023

Our scripture this morning is Acts 4:27-31.

“For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your will had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand for healing, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.

Today we celebrate Pentecost, the coming of of the Holy Spirit to be with God’s people. When I think of this, Acts 2 usually comes to mind and reading it today would be a good thing! However, the Bible application I use pointed me to Acts 4 today, which continues the story of Peter and the other disciples sharing the truth of Christ. 

They are no longer hiding behind the locked doors of the upper room, now they are preaching boldly in the name of Jesus. They have received the presence of the Holy Spirit and they are on fire for God. Peter who once denied he even knew Jesus now suffers punishment for Him and even after a stern warning from the authorities, he proclaims “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

May we be as faithful as they were, today and always, to go boldly in His name. The Holy Spirit is with us to instruct and inspire. May we share the Good News of salvation with the world!

Loving Lord, the lessons You teach and the tasks You have for us are not always easy. Bless us  to accept the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives that we may tell others of the joy we have found in You. Amen.

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