Acts 2:22–36

Be Still: Thank you, Lord, that you are alive and always working. Help me to see you in these passages and open my heart to all you want me to know today. Amen

Read: Acts 2:22–36

But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. (v23-24)

Encounter: When I was growing up, my parents loved a good 'house-before-and-after' tv show. The 'before' house, is usually run down or inadequate, but the renovation team go in and completely transform it, later revealing to the family their newly improved home.

One before-and-after transformation in the Bible is — Peter. Peter in this passage is boldly speaking to a very large crowd of people, telling them that they nailed Jesus to the cross, but that Jesus defeated death and is Lord. These words pierced the hearts of many leading to a great repentance and 3000 people following Jesus. 

This was the same Peter who three chapters before denied Jesus three times when asked if he knew him. What a complete transformation! A man once walking in guilt, is now someone walking in confidence, knowing he is forgiven, loved and not disqualified from the plans God has for him. A man once wrapped in fear, is emboldened to live in faith. A man who struggled to count the cost of following Jesus, is strengthened to live a life of faithfulness and obedience no matter the cost.

What made the difference, what caused this sudden transformation, this before-and-after? The Holy Spirit! It’s the Holy Spirit who reminds you of your identity, and, when memories of past failures come to discourage, declares you are forgiven. It’s the Spirit who emboldens you to stand in your faith when others mock or judge you. It’s the Spirit who strengthens you for the journey no matter the cost. 

Apply: Invite the Holy Spirit to any area of your life where you desire to see transformation. 

Devote: Thank you, Lord, for the transformational power of your Spirit. Help me to open the door to the Spirit’s work in every area of my life, believing for transformation and the promise that he who started a good work in me, will bring it to completion.