Daily Reading: 7-22-16
Acts 2:22-36 Living Bible (TLB)
The Holy Spirit is the One through whom all things spiritually come alive. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and went about with the power to perform live-giving miracles, wonders, and signs as the Father directed. It is the Spirit who imparts the blessing to those who trust in the Lord and seek to know the ways of life eternal. Blessings and favor await every Christ’s follower.
Peter proclaimed Jesus to be the Anointed Messiah the Jews had been waiting for and he used Scripture to prove his point. God’s plan had been in motion since the beginning of time and was prophesied through David, as well as others.
Acts 2:22-36
22 “O men of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing tremendous miracles through him, as you well know. 23 But God, following his prearranged plan, let you use the Roman government to nail him to the cross and murder him. 24 Then God released him from the horrors of death and brought him back to life again, for death could not keep this man within its grip.
25 “King David quoted Jesus as saying:
‘I know the Lord is always with me. He is helping me. God’s mighty power supports me.
26 ‘No wonder my heart is filled with joy and my tongue shouts his praises! For I know all will be well with me in death—
27 ‘You will not leave my soul in hell or let the body of your Holy Son decay.
28 ‘You will give me back my life and give me wonderful joy in your presence.’
29 “Dear brothers, think! David wasn’t referring to himself when he spoke these words I have quoted, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and knew God had promised with an unbreakable oath that one of David’s own descendants would be the Messiah and sit on David’s throne. 31 David was looking far into the future and predicting the Messiah’s resurrection, and saying that the Messiah’s soul would not be left in hell and his body would not decay. 32 He was speaking of Jesus, and we all are witnesses that Jesus rose from the dead.
33 “And now he sits on the throne of highest honor in heaven, next to God. And just as promised, the Father gave him the authority to send the Holy Spirit—with the results you are seeing and hearing today.
34 “No, David was not speaking of himself in these words of his I have quoted, for he never ascended into the skies. Moreover, he further stated, ‘God spoke to my Lord, the Messiah, and said to him, Sit here in honor beside me 35 until I bring your enemies into complete subjection.’
36 “Therefore I clearly state to everyone in Israel that God has made this Jesus you crucified to be the Lord, the Messiah!”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the life your Spirit alone can give me. Continue to teach me about eternal life and the power of the blessing made available to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.