17/07/2021 - THE IMPORTANCE OF PREACHING THE WORD

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Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2.37

A crowd in Jerusalem was drawn to the cenacle where the disciples were, because of the noise like that of a rushing mighty wind that filled the place. The crowd was great – we can tell this by the number of people who were converted and baptized. God knows how to use us in His work, but we must learn to be His instruments so that His plan will not be frustrated. God is greater than all. Hallelujah!

Jesus said: No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6.44). None of those presents went there by himself, but by the Father’s hand. The Lord took many people there to be evangelized. Some ridiculed the apostles, for they had never seen anything like it, and they mistakenly thought that they were drunk. 

People don’t always come to us with requests; sometimes they see us as liars and speak badly of us. Again, we have to learn from Jesus, who declared: All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out (John 6.37). The servant of God trusts in the fact that all His promises will be confirmed in full. On that day, Christ showed that He was building up the Church.

Their hearts were moved with sorrow at Peter’s words. Don’t give importance to the comments about you, whether mocking or not. You have been sent to deliver the divine message, so don’t get nervous about others’ opinions about you. It doesn’t matter if they give a deceitful compliment, or if they speak the truth. The important thing is to perform the task He has assigned you. God honors His children!

After hearing Peter’s explanation, the mockers became interested in the things of God. Imagine if the disciples had argued with them or taken action to make them respect them. Jesus did not act by Himself, but by divine power. If we are taken to the authorities, we must respect them, but we must make our defense by speaking only the truth. God is the righteous Judge!

Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, people will do what we tell them. So never say anything outside the Scriptures. At first, these men looked like provocateurs, but then they showed fear of God. Then, Peter took advantage and announced to them what had been ministered to him. Every Christian needs to do this; otherwise, he is not obeying the Lord. Jesus builds His Church!

The brothers preached the Truth to them, and they believed it. Then God’s purpose was fulfilled: the birth of His work on earth. Whoever lives with the heavenly Father and spreads the Good News will succeed in his mission. The promises of the Almighty are greater and better than the promises of man, for of the flesh nothing is good (John 6.63).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares