Acts 4 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“The Peter was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) and said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man – by what means he was healed – let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Yeshua Messiah, the Nazarene – whom you crucified and whom G_d raised from the dead – by Him this man is standing before you healthy. This Yeshua is: The Stone despised by you builders, who has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which they must be saved.’” Acts 4:8-12

Every time I read the book of Acts, I am amazed at the transformation that occurred in Simon Peter. The man who cowardly denied Yeshua to servants in the darkness of the courtyard of Caiaphas’ home, is now boldly proclaiming Him in broad daylight at the Temple Complex, to the very men who condemned Yeshua.

There is no way such a transformation could have taken place, had Peter not whole-heartedly believed that Yeshua had resurrected. It makes no sense, otherwise.

I like to use moments like these to ask myself: Has there been such an evident transformation in my own life? Can people, who knew me before I became a follower of Yeshua, notice a distinguishing transformation?

Not only was Peter convinced that Yeshua was the Messiah, he put his faith into action. He followed the L_rd’s leading, even though he knew there was a strong possibility of physical harm or even death. G_d confirmed His leading by displaying His Ruach (Spirit) in power.

Have you ever experienced the Lord moving & working through you in power? You probably won’t until you start stepping-out in faith. G_d’s Ruach is given to all who believe. But you may never experience the power of His presence unless you boldly move forth, proclaiming His Gospel.

And what would that Gospel be? The same one Peter proclaimed: Salvation is in Yeshua, alone, for there is no other name under Heaven given to people which they MUST be saved! All mankind is in need of salvation, and that salvation it comes exclusively through Yeshua. If you want to be saved, you MUST come through Him. Acts 4: 12

That being said, while the grace of Messiah comes exclusively through Yeshua, it is offered to anyone who would, by faith, believe. John 3: 16-21

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Sunday, July 21, 2013