My apologies for the long delay. And thank you for your prayers for
myself and my family as we dealt with cancer. The blog will continue to discuss
what we began last year’s August if you would like to reread the introduction
for this portion of the series. What does it mean to be sent back into the world
as Jesus said only now as ambassadors for God. How does He define the role of envoy
or messengers of His words? What does He mean by all the world and the whole creation?
Hear: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry
Reading: Acts 2:22
“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say! Jesus of
Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, works and signs
that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know---.”
Peter called out a challenge to the Israelites to acknowledge words of
truth. To be accountable. To not
hide from the scriptures and prophecies that to them were as natural as
breathing. Words from history. Words from worship. Words from Yahweh Himself.
He called on them to take a stand on a personal faith. To own their
heritage as individuals and not simply as theoretical bystanders.
He called on them to step out from the curious crowd and to act on words
they already knew. Attested to by God in ways they were privileged to
understand and connect the dots that to many in the crowd seemed confusing.
He called on them to respond to truth with honesty. To have the
courage to follow. Regardless of the Roman occupation. Regardless of the
betrayal of their own spiritual leadership.
If we substitute “Christians” for “Israelites” what will we hear? Will
we remember what we know?
Lord, please give us heart and soul courage to come before You with
honest hearts, and be willing to listen and to obey and to follow Your words of
life.
Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:22
“God blessed them saying, ‘Be fruitful, and multiply and fill the
waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’”
