Proclaim Christ

Scripture: Acts 4:18-20 (ESV)

¹⁸ So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, ²⁰ for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.

Devotion:

Peter and John, having just performed a miraculous healing in Jesus' name and preached the gospel to the crowd, were arrested by the religious leaders. The leaders, threatened by the growing influence of the disciples, sought to silence them. Despite the leaders' attempts to intimidate them, Peter and John stood firm. They boldly proclaimed their allegiance to God over human authorities, declaring that they could not help but speak of what they had witnessed. Their courage in the face of such adversity is a powerful inspiration for us all.

What can we learn from their example? First, we can see that they were filled with the Holy Spirit, who gave them the courage and wisdom to speak the truth. This same Spirit is available to us, empowering us to be faithful witnesses for Christ in our world. Second, we can see that they were focused on the name of Jesus, who was the source of their healing and salvation. They did not compromise or water down their message, but proclaimed Jesus as the only way to God. We need the same conviction to share the gospel with clarity and confidence. Third, we can see that they were faithful to their testimony, which was based on what they had seen and heard. They did not rely on human arguments or opinions, but on the evidence of God's work in their lives. We need the same authenticity to share our personal stories of how Jesus has changed us, as these stories are powerful tools for connecting with others.

Let us pray that God will help us be bold witnesses like Peter and John, who did not fear human opposition but obeyed God's call to speak and teach in Jesus' name.

Prayer:

            Let us not be silent about the work of God in our lives. Share our personal stories of faith with others, and let them see the power of Christ in our lives. Lord, help us be bold in proclaiming Christ whenever we are asked to be the source of the hope and joy of Jesus within us. Make our lives radiant with the love of Christ so people will be curious about why we live the way we do and have the joy and peace of Christ that we share with those around us. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that lives within us and empowers us to be faithful and bold witnesses to Christ. Amen.