Lord, Gift me the Confidence to Preach the Gospel
Scripture Passage: Acts 4:13-22 (NASB)
13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, 16 saying, “What are we to do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let’s warn them not to speak any longer to any person in this name.” 18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment; 20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 22 for the man on whom this miracle of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.
SUMMARY
The Jewish leaders were surprised by Peter and John’s testimony of Jesus and that they were very articulate even though they didn't attend the school of rabbis. Even though they were astounded by the sermon they wanted to protect their authority. Peter and John were persistent in preaching about Jesus and what they have witnessed.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
After reading the passage I get to witness God’s power to equip uneducated men like John and Peter to challenge the most educated religious leaders during that time. It just shows that God can use pretty much anyone in this world to further his kingdom and that we are all equal to God. It reminds of times when I feel hopeless and not confident that I ask God for wisdom to guide me. I definitely cannot do anything alone and need God’s guidance.
John and Peter were able to witness Jesus’s miraculous powers and couldn’t stop sharing their testimony to others. The amazing part of this story is that the very educated religious leaders truly believed in John and Peter and didn’t deny their testimony. Their sermon was so convincing and powerful that they began to recognize them as “having been with Jesus”.
This reminds of times when I listen to other people’s testimonies and how they experienced Jesus in their lives.
APPLICATION
After seeing how John and Peter couldn’t stop sharing with others their experience with Jesus, I want to start sharing the gospel more to others who are in darkness. I also want to keep track of my prayers and how God answered them to me so that I can remember my experience with God and so that I can share my experience with others.
Going into 2021, I also want to start prioritizing God and strengthening my relationship with God so that I can be a good example to my wife. I want to start sharing how God has spoken to me with my wife more often just like how John and Peter couldn’t stop talking about their experiences.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for showing your authority and power of gifting uneducated men like John and Peter to confidently share the gospel to the most educated religious men during that time. I pray that you use me as a vessel to share the gospel just like them and to gift me the confidence that they had. I am always hesitant in sharing the gospel with my coworkers because they are all strong nonbelievers but I pray that sharing my experiences with you will soften their hearts.
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