January 28, 2012 (Exodus 21-22; Psalm 12; Acts 4)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 NLT
Observation: The council members thought themselves to be the most knowledgable when it came to the scriptures. These men, Peter and John, were uneducated fishermen that had a better understanding of the scriptures than those who had studied them all of their lives. The council members had studied the scriptures, but they hadn’t spent anytime with Jesus. Peter and John were bold because they had spent time with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit filled them to proclaim the gospel message of repentance to the lost religious leaders.
Application: Studying the scriptures is vital to understanding the will of God for your life. However, we must be careful to never let our knowledge cause us to stumble in pride and arrogance. I know many men that have studied the scriptures intently, attending all sorts of seminary classes, yet they are as blind as a bat to the truth of the gospel message. They trust in their degrees and higher education while ignoring the benefits of spending time with Jesus. If you think you have God all figured out, beware! Like a train that has derailed from the tracks is the man that trust in his own understanding. God’s ways, have always been and will always be, above our understanding.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provides and protects me daily. Thank You for Your Spirit that fills me to proclaim boldly the gospel message of repentance. I desire to know You and Your will concerning me. Lead me and guide me by Your Spirit, show me the path You will for me to walk, in Jesus name, Amen!