Unstoppable! 'Jesus Is Back!' — Acts 4:7-10

Monday, February 26, 2024

Merry Christmas!

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

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[The council] brought in [Peter and John] and demanded, "By what power, or in whose name, have you [healed the lame man]?"

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead."

— Acts 4:7-10 NLT

Key Thought

Our verses today are so rich in emotion, irony, and truth. Once again, the religious leaders were looking to punish someone for doing something good for a person broken by life. Where have we heard this before? Ah, yes, in the ministry of Jesus! The apostles answered the council's accusatory question with the help and power of the Holy Spirit. The apostles emphatically declared that the man had been healed through the name of Jesus. Then, Peter made sure that the religious cynics knew which Jesus: Jesus the Messiah, the Christ from Nazareth, whom they had crucified. Jesus, the one whom God had raised from the dead. Peter and John were making sure their accusers knew that Jesus was back. He wasn't just resurrected; he was present, powerful, and continuing to do his work through his people. He still is if we will believe and act with similar passion and faith!

Today's Prayer

O Lord Jesus, forgive us — forgive me — for those times when I do not expect you to be present, to act, and to continue your mission through us and through me. Stir me from my laziness and my lack of expectation, and lead me to join you in doing good to those, and for those, who are broken, lost, and in deep need. I ask this of you and for your glory. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 6:1-6
  • Ephesians 3:20-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 4:7-10 NLT — [The council] brought in [Peter and John] and demanded, "By what power, or in whose name, have you [healed the lame man]?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead."

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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