ESOCS Devotional 19 September 2022
TEXT: ACTS 4: 5-22
MEMORY VERSE: “Salvation is to be found through Him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us.” Acts 4:12 GNB
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Following the miraculous healing of the lame man at the Beautiful gate (Acts 3: 1-9), the elders took great offence against Peter and John. Consequently, the apostles were interrogated concerning this unusual event. In the questions of the elders, they wanted to know the source of their power and the authority of their actions (vs. 7).
Being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter defied all opposition, as he delivered a most brilliant message to these enemies of the Church of Jesus Christ (Luke 12:11-12, Matthew 10:17-19, Mark 13:11). What an inspiration to the present day church leaders, who may be facing stiff opposition and persecution in their immediate environments. The Church must move on, despite opposing influences, for the gates of hell shall not prevail against her (Matthew 16:18). But it takes a lot of guts, courage and strong faith, as demonstrated by Apostle Peter.
In vss. 9-10, of our text, Peter was forthright in his speech. He refused to be intimidated. He firmly stated that it was by the authority of Jesus that the great miracle was performed. By extension, Peter attributed the healing of the crippled man to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. In other words, Peter further credited this great gospel event by identifying it with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:22; 3:6,16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
In vs. 12, of our text, Peter expanded his message from the healing of physical illness or death, to eternal healing (salvation) through Christ Jesus. Salvation refers primarily to being healed or delivered from sin and its consequences. Jesus fulfilled all Old Testament prophetic hope, by His death, in order to save sinners from the guilt and power of sin. Mankind cannot do anything to save himself. Rather, to receive God’s redemption, we must believe in Jesus. When we do so, He removes our guilt and we receive instant forgiveness for our past sins. This is the ultimate healing that brings about eternal life to mankind. But those healed must start living right in Christ. We also live in His resurrection power, with a sure hope of becoming free at last from the bondage of sin and Satan.
It follows therefore, that, regardless of their rejection, Jesus remains the only universally acclaimed authority through whom mankind can be healed, saved and reconciled to the Father. Jesus is the ultimate redemptive hope of mankind. He is the sole indisputable authority. At the mention of His Name, every knee should bow, and every tongue must confess His Lordship over all (Philippians 2:10).
CHALLENGES: Gospel truth or traditional religious ideas, which do you subscribe to?
PRAYER POINTS: O Lord, our God, we have come to understand that the gospel bears the ultimate truth of all times. Give us the grace to remain focused. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Judges 9: 44-57; Nehemiah 4: 15-23; Matthew 10: 34-11: 1
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ESOCS Devotional 19 September 2022
