January 8, 2012

Acts 4:23-37 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 4:12-17, Psalm 7:6-17, Genesis 13

Journal Entry

Scripture

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Observation

The believers were under threat of persecution by the Roman leaders Herod and Pilate, as well as the nonbelieving Gentiles and Jews. Rather than ask God for refuge and removal of the threat, the believers ask Him to acknowledge the threats and for encouragement to continue spreading the good news of Jesus Christ with BOLDNESS. As the believers prayed, God demonstrates He hears their prayers by shaking the place where they had assembled. Furthermore, the believers became filled with the Holy Spirit and found their prayers answered as they spoke with boldness.

Application

One of the more difficult things for me to do in a nonchurch environment is to witness about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Even when the opportunity has been presented, I've backed away at the workplace because of the "threat" that this may be considered harassment. There is no tolerance for harassment in my workplace. Can I be bolder like the believers of the early church?

Prayer

Dear God,
You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. As you open the doors of opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, please give us the same boldness that the believers of the early church had.
Amen.

--Michael Hong