Scripture Union Daily Guide 19 July 2020
Topic: These Men had Been with Jesus
Opening Prayer: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
Scripture: Acts 3:13-22
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Note how the rulers are dumbfounded by the courage of the apostles. What they call ‘courage’ is in fact the power of Peter’s words through the work of the Holy Spirit (v.8). If the men had been taught in the Jewish law schools, they would have said that is where they got the knowledge. But the chief priests are compelled to say that it was all because these unschooled, ordinary disciples had been with Jesus. They had been taught by Jesus.
You can also get the boldness to proclaim the gospel if you will daily spend time in the study of the Bible and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit (See Matthew 10:18–20). Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit on the spur of a moment to tell you what to say or do?
The work of God displayed by Peter and John is so distinctive that for their opponents, ‘there was nothing they could say’ (v.14). They are forced to recognize the miracle (v.16). Let’s compare v.18, the command of men with Acts 1:8, the Lord’s command. It is no wonder that the apostles refused to obey the rulers.
Kidnapped Leah Sharibu in Northern Nigeria was offered freedom by Boko Haram provided she renounces her faith and becomes a Muslim. She refused to deny her Lord and remained their prisoner. What a challenge she is to us all.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• Meditation: “The righteous shall be as bold as a lion”
Disunity
To disunite is to disband or separate from one another. Disunity among Christians often results from spiritual immaturity. Unity among Christians is based on our unity in Christ. Christ has made it possible for Christians to be united by destroying the barriers of hostility between us and God and between us and others. It is a great challenge for all of us to consciously work toward unity wherever we find ourselves.
Prayer Points
• Father, grant us boldness to be effective witnesses of your saving grace and to remain faithful to you to the end.
• Thank God and pray for Scripture Union (SU), Children Evangelism Ministry (CEM) and other specialized ministries to Children and youths.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Luke 1:37
Read the Bible in one Year
Psalms 26–28; Acts 15:1–21
Scripture Union Daily Guide 19 July 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.