Power: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:23-24

“this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.”

Handed over to you, Peter says.  He goes beyond heritage now and includes the entire crowd. Making Jesus’ actions personal, individual, powerful.

Making the choices each listener now makes individual.

No excuse for confusion or misunderstandings. No hiding behind ignorance or peer pressure. No hiding behind our own sins.

God has upended man’s concept of power and sovereignty. He has replaced political and geographic and religious facades with a staggering fact. Jesus conquered death.

As a victim.  And as Creator. Giving new life each day.

Splitting wide open death’s consequence. Shattering sin’s regime.

Who will listen?

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:23

“And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.”

Kingdom Manna

Yoke

Luke 4:43, But he said to them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.”

Sent for a purpose. Sent to accomplish a task. Sent to fulfill a covenant.

Message delivered in person. “The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” Personally delivered in mercy. Committed wholly to His father’s mission. Jesus’ focus remained centered in God’s will.

Steeped in prophecy. Steeped in history. Steeped in prayer.

My mouth moves often but not necessarily with Your words, Lord. I react, respond, and reciprocate to actions with my own motives instead of yours. Or I get so sidetracked with details and time and lists and performance that I speak hollow words, surface clichés instead of sharing Your truths, Your good news.

Soak me so deep in Your scripture, Your covenant, that nothing but Your purpose will be spoken. Make me a committed messenger willing to speak whenever You send.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 111:9

He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.