Acts 2:14a, 22-23 (NRSV)
Read Acts 2:14a, 22-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Verse 22"You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know- Verse 23this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.
Devotion
Many of the issues of life are complex and we can spend a good amount of time discussing them. In these situations it is always good when someone puts the pressure on to get the important items sorted out. I recall a time when our family was in the midst of one these complex issues of life. In the midst of the discussion our youngest son said, "Tell me what you think Dad, tell me straight out."
The disciples of Jesus were surrounded by a lot of issues as they sought to proclaim the message of Jesus the Messiah. On the occasion pictured in the text Peter proclaims the message, "Straight Out."
"We are talking about Jesus—the one crucified."
"One who is radically different than David."
"Jesus was raised from the dead; Jesus is Alive."
The words of proclamation tell the central message—"straight out."
Prayer
Gracious God, thanks for every preacher and teacher who boldly tells the story of the Risen Christ. Amen.