God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal
May 23
Introduction
Acts 3:11–26: After the lame man is healed, Peter speaks in the Temple, explaining that Jesus, as the promised Messiah, had to suffer. Peter urges the people to repent and receive God’s forgiveness.
Today’s Key Verse: Acts 3:25a
[Peter said]: “The promises of God through his prophets are for you, and you share in the covenant which God made with your ancestors.”
Reading
11 As the man held on to Peter and John in Solomon’s Porch, as it was called, the people were amazed and ran to them. 12 When Peter saw the people, he said to them, “Fellow Israelites, why are you surprised at this, and why do you stare at us? Do you think that it was by means of our own power or godliness that we made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has given divine glory to his Servant Jesus. But you handed him over to the authorities, and you rejected him in Pilate’s presence, even after Pilate had decided to set him free. 14 He was holy and good, but you rejected him, and instead you asked Pilate to do you the favor of turning loose a murderer. 15 You killed the one who leads to life, but God raised him from death—and we are witnesses to this. 16 It was the power of his name that gave strength to this lame man. What you see and know was done by faith in his name; it was faith in Jesus that has made him well, as you can all see.
17 “And now, my friends, I know that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was due to your ignorance. 18 God announced long ago through all the prophets that his Messiah had to suffer; and he made it come true in this way. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that he will forgive your sins. If you do, 20 times of spiritual strength will come from the Lord, and he will send Jesus, who is the Messiah he has already chosen for you. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for all things to be made new, as God announced through his holy prophets of long ago. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will send you a prophet, just as he sent me, and he will be one of your own people. You are to obey everything that he tells you to do. 23 Anyone who does not obey that prophet shall be separated from God’s people and destroyed.’ 24 And all the prophets who had a message, including Samuel and those who came after him, also announced what has been happening these days. 25 The promises of God through his prophets are for you, and you share in the covenant which God made with your ancestors. As he said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants I will bless all the people on earth.’ 26 And so God chose his Servant and sent him to you first, to bless you by making every one of you turn away from your wicked ways.”
Reflect
The people who witnessed the healing of the lame man continue to be amazed. What did Peter say to them (verses 12–16)? How did Peter’s healing of the man demonstrate the power of faith in Jesus? In what ways do you experience the power of faith?
Pray
Lord God, daily you provide me with spiritual strength from your holy Word. Thank you for sending Jesus to teach me about your love and the forgiveness you offer in Jesus’s name. Empower me with your Holy Spirit to be obedient to your will. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Acts 4:1–22: Peter and John are arrested for teaching about Jesus.