Read Acts 4:5-12

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6 NLT)  

In Acts 4:5-12, we are transported to a tense moment in the early days of the Christian church. Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, stand before the religious authorities, boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ as the source of their healing power. Despite the threats and opposition they faced, they fearlessly declared that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus. Their faith was unshakeable, their courage unwavering. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of our salvation through Jesus Christ and the unwavering faith of the early disciples.

Reflecting on this passage brings to mind the film “Risen,” where we witness a Roman military tribune named Clavius embark on a journey of discovery. Initially tasked with disproving the resurrection of Jesus, Clavius encounters undeniable evidence of the risen Christ. His encounter with the truth transforms him from a skeptic to a believer. Just as Clavius’s journey led him to an unshakeable faith in Jesus, we too are called to anchor our faith in the resurrected Savior.

The encounter of Peter and John with the religious authorities showcases the courage and conviction of the early disciples. Despite the opposition and threats of persecution, they boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus Christ as the means of salvation. Their confidence stemmed not from their own abilities but from their intimate relationship with the risen Christ. This passage emphasizes the foundational truth of Christianity: salvation is found in Jesus alone. The rejection of Jesus as the cornerstone by the religious leaders echoes the rejection He faced during His earthly ministry. Yet, just as He became the chief cornerstone, so too is He the cornerstone of our faith today.

In “Risen,” Clavius’s journey mirrors the journey of many skeptics and seekers throughout history. His initial skepticism gives way to curiosity, leading him on a quest for truth. As he encounters the reality of Jesus’ resurrection, his worldview is transformed, and he embraces the truth of the Gospel. This journey highlights the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. Like Clavius, we are called to seek truth earnestly, knowing that ultimately, it leads us to Jesus.

As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the same unwavering faith and courage displayed by Peter and John. Our faith should not be shaken by opposition or doubt but firmly anchored in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In practical terms, this means:

We should stand firm in our convictions, boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel in a world that often opposes it. Our confidence should not be in ourselves but in the power of Christ working through us.

We should actively seek truth, immersing ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. As we deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, our faith becomes more grounded and unshakeable.

We should share the Gospel with others, just as Peter and John did. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, inviting others to encounter the risen Christ for themselves.

In a world filled with uncertainty and opposition, our faith in Jesus Christ remains unshakeable. Like Peter and John, may we boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel with courage and conviction. As we anchor our faith in the resurrected Savior, may we also embody His love and grace in all that we do.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Our faith in Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our lives, unshakeable and unwavering in the face of opposition.

PRAYER
Lord, strengthen our faith and embolden us to proclaim the truth of the Gospel with courage and conviction. May our lives reflect the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.