Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – May 15, 2016

acts4-29

Deuteronomy 16:9–12; Acts 4:18–21, 23–33; John 4:19–26

We are to be witnesses to God where we live and throughout the world (Acts 1:8). Our testimony is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Still, it helps to remember where we came from. “Remember that you were a slave in Egypt,” Moses exhorts. “We cannot help but speak of what we have seen and heard,” Peter and John answered the authorities.

When we remember that God has delivered us from bondage to sin and death, we are inspired to worship him in spirit and truth. When Jesus confronts us with the truth, that we are poor, pitiful sinners whom he has redeemed, we cannot help but share the good news. This happens when the Holy Spirit fills people, whether “common, uneducated” folks or doctors of theology.

When the Holy Spirit fills people, their lives are changed, their world shaken; miraculous things occur. They are driven to prayer and bold witness for Christ because they are not ashamed of the gospel. For they have come to know that the gospel makes known the righteousness and salvation of God at work in all who believe in his Son (Rom 1:16–17).

Prayer: Lord, give your Church bold faith, in the power of your Spirit. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Mark Ryman, Communications Coordinator for the NALC. 

Original image