Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!
Commentary on Acts 4 mentions that modern, Western Christians don’t often face persecution in today’s time like in biblical times. “Satan instead has attacked us with worldliness, selfish pride, a need for acceptance, and status.” That comment really got me thinking.
Acts 4:9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed….
I think most of us have a mental critic that tries to undermine us, that whispers, “You are not enough.” That voice is the need for earthly pride and acceptance. In reality, we are deeply, completely, fiercely loved children of God….not because of anything we can do or any accolade we receive but simply because we are God’s own creations.
Acts 4:10 …then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
Lord, The critic in my head is loud and insistent, telling me I am not enough…not smart enough, not kind enough, not good enough. The world seems to reinforce this idea at every turn. Thank You that I am not of this world. Thank You that the opinions of this world do not define me. Strengthen my heart so that I can reject these lies. Help me to never lose sight of the fact that You are my center, that Yours is the only voice that matters, that all that I am “is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” alone. Draw me closer. Amen.
Acts 4:11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’”
Have a blessed day.