Just Let the Holy Spirit Speak

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:8-12

The man who says this is very different from the man standing before these same men just 50 days prior. Just 50 days ago, Peter stood before these same men in the courtyard and denied Jesus three times. But not this day. And what he says is pretty astounding. He makes two incredible statements.

In his first statement, he clarifies the real reason for the inquisition. The proposed charge against him is that he is healing in the name of Jesus. Jesus, a man who was sentenced by them and crucified for proclaiming he was God. And while they thought they had successfully sentenced, killed, and buried this man, Jesus is still working and healing. It's laughable. And Peter takes a second to point out the preposterous nature of the present inquisition. They have arrested him and are holding a trial because a lame man, who they all knew and had even probably given alms to, was healed. Peter points out that they have arrested him for doing something good, not doing something evil. In his second statement, Peter levels his own charges against them. And what's so incredible about what Peter says is that it's a pretty strong charge. He states that they were called to be the builders of the Temple but by rejecting the Cornerstone, who was Jesus Christ, that God now rejects them. And then drops the mic by calling on the name of Jesus not only as the name that healed the lame man but the name that saves all men.

Do not be confused. This is not Peter saying this. This is the Holy Spirit saying this through Peter. The Holy Spirit is bringing some strong charges against some men that have lied and defiled the priestly office and the Son of God.

You know, I think sometimes we think we have to be the Holy Spirit to others. We think we have to convict others of what they have done wrong, so we attempt to convict our spouses, children, friends, and co-workers. But you know what, the Holy Spirit does not need a lot of help. He needs a follower who is available to trust him to speak through him. A follower who is centered on God's will and God's purposes and trusts him to say what needs to be said at the right time and in the right way. And I promise when he speaks through you, it's going to be better than anything you could have come up with on your own anyway.

ASK THIS: Are you trying to be the Holy Spirit, or are you letting him speak through you?

DO THIS: Ask the Spirit to speak through you today each time before you open your mouth.

PRAY THIS: Spirit, speak through me today like you did, Peter here!

PLAY THIS: Holy Spirit — Jesus Culture.