April 23, 2015: Acts 4:5-12

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Acts 4:5-12

⁵ The next day the leaders, elders, and legal experts gathered in Jerusalem, ⁶ along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others from the high priest’s family. ⁷ They had Peter and John brought before them and asked, “By what power or in what name did you do this?” ⁸ Then Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, answered, “Leaders of the people and elders, ⁹ are we being examined today because something good was done for a sick person, a good deed that healed him? ¹⁰ If so, then you and all the people of Israel need to know that this man stands healthy before you because of the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. ¹¹ This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; he has become the cornerstone! ¹² Salvation can be found in no one else. Throughout the whole world, no other name has been given among humans through which we must be saved.”

Reflection:

I recently heard in a Sunday school class this question: "What if each morning when we got up we reflected and reminded ourselves of Jesus' sacrifice?" Would it not be hard to reflect on the crucifixion each and every day? We don't like to think about Jesus on the cross.  Perhaps though it would change our attitude and our day of living.  We are like the builders and reject at times.  Mostly, we don't want to believe that Jesus was on that cross because of us.  Maybe we do need to spend time thinking about the sacrifice that was made so that we may have life.  Then, we could live each day through the passion story.  We would be reminded of the resurrection and find new joy in every day. 

Reflection Questions:
Morning: Why is it difficult for us to live into the crucifixion?
Noon: How might your life change if you responded to the sacrifice that was made for you?
Evening: How are you seeking Jesus in your life today?