Soon

Him God has exalted…Acts 5:31

There is a strange boldness that comes from being led by the Holy Spirit. We have all experienced this onset of courage; even at the oddest of times. Suddenly, we speak as though we are empowered by something without. When in fact it is within. And not ‘it’ but “Him” God’s Holy Spirit.

Such was Peter this day. The day after they were freed from prison for preaching Christ. Acts 5, verse 25: “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Perhaps that was you. The day after you missed an opportunity to speak for God, you spoke with confidence and power. 

Like Peter, you said, I ought to obey God rather than men. Verse 29. Maybe you didn’t say what Peter said, The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered hanging on a tree, Verse 30. Maybe you said something slightly less intimidating. But, nonetheless, you proclaimed Jesus as the One God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior…to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sin. Or, something like that.

Maybe all you said was, Jesus came from God to grant repentance and forgiveness. I can testify to this. For He has forgiven me. And He has given me the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him, Verse 32.

Then, suddenly you realized, these words came from the leading of the Spirit. And at just the right time. For the person to whom you spoke responded, not as they did to Peter, but because the time was right. They responded with gratitude. Thanking God for what you just said. Thanking God for Jesus whom God has exalted to sit at His right hand. 

Think on this…before we know, all who know Jesus will join Him. Not to be exalted, but to humbly serve Him there as we serve Him here.