Unstoppable! 'The Joy of His Presence' — Acts 2:25-28

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[Peter reminded the crowds at Pentecost,] "King David said this about [the crucified Jesus]:
'I see that the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad,
and my tongue shouts his praises!
My body rests in hope.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.
You have shown me the way of life,
and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.'"
— Acts 2:25-28 NLT

Key Thought

David's words in Psalm 16:8-11 and in our text today became Jesus' victory cry. The Son was convinced that the Father would not leave his side through his ordeal of the cross, death, and resurrection (John 16:32). Yes, there would be times on the cross he would FEEL abandoned (Psalm 22:1; Mark 15:33-34). However, he TRUSTED that the Lord, YAHWEH the Father, would be at his right hand and not abandon the Son. Jesus believed he would ultimately triumph over death through the resurrection, and his body would never see the decay that permanent death brings (Acts 2:27). Even in death, Jesus trusted that he would experience the joy of the Father's presence (Acts 2:28). Jesus was convinced that he would triumph over death and future people would proclaim his victory, just as the psalmist prophesied (Psalm 22:19-31). Because of Jesus, we know we will never be abandoned no matter how we feel, and we will share with Jesus in his victory (Romans 8:32-39).

Today's Prayer

Tender Father, thank you for the honesty and openness of Jesus in his suffering and death. I take comfort in Jesus' transparency about his feeling alone. I take strength in his trust that you would not abandon him no matter how he felt. I cannot fathom your love for me. You shared my mortality — my date with death — so that I can be assured that I am never alone in my journey through life and death. O Breath of Heaven, Spirit of the Living God, help me lean on my faith no matter where my journey takes me and help me know that you will always be with me. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 139
  • Romans 8:32-39

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 2:25-28 NLT — [Peter reminded the crowds at Pentecost,] "King David said this about [the crucified Jesus]: 'I see that the Lord is always with me.I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.No wonder my heart is glad,and my tongue shouts his praises!My body rests in hope.For you will not leave my soul among the deador allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.You have shown me the way of life,and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.'"

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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