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Peter, a New Creation
Scripture Reading — Acts 2:1-41
Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd. . . .
— Acts 2:14
Can God do anything good with me?
We might ask this question when we feel as if we are beyond God’s help. We see our flaws and mistakes, and we wonder how God could even want to use us for his purposes.
In our text today we see Peter preaching to the crowds that are gathered in Jerusalem for the annual harvest celebration. This is the same Peter who, about 50 days earlier, had lied three times about Jesus, saying that he didn’t know Jesus at all (Mark 14:66-72).
But now Peter was restored, since the resurrected Jesus had met with him at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:15-19). And in today’s text we read that Peter and the other apostles were now filled with the Holy Spirit.
Peter became a new creation, and in this new state of being “in Christ,” Peter’s life pointed to the remaking of all creation.
The merely brash Peter became the wise preacher Peter. Earlier he had not understood the prophets’ message about the Messiah, but now he was clear and on point. At one time Peter’s passion simply blurted. But now in his passion he could convict and invite!
God is in the business of healing people, pouring grace into them, and recommissioning them. This includes me and you. The Lord sees you, loves you, and has plans for you. Trust him.
Heavenly Father, continue your good work in us, remaking us for your glory and the blessing of the world. Help us to see what you are doing, and to serve you gladly, fully, and hopefully. Amen.
About the author — Dave Den Haan
Dave Den Haan is an ordained minister who works for Thrive, the Christian Reformed Church in North America agency that equips and encourages congregations. His main focus is to serve churches experiencing conflict and challenge. Before working with Thrive, Dave served as a pastor to two congregations, one in Minnesota and one in Michigan. He and his wife, Connie, have three married children and two grandchildren.
Scripture Reading — Acts 2:1-41
Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd. . . .
— Acts 2:14
Can God do anything good with me?
We might ask this question when we feel as if we are beyond God’s help. We see our flaws and mistakes, and we wonder how God could even want to use us for his purposes.
In our text today we see Peter preaching to the crowds that are gathered in Jerusalem for the annual harvest celebration. This is the same Peter who, about 50 days earlier, had lied three times about Jesus, saying that he didn’t know Jesus at all (Mark 14:66-72).
But now Peter was restored, since the resurrected Jesus had met with him at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:15-19). And in today’s text we read that Peter and the other apostles were now filled with the Holy Spirit.
Peter became a new creation, and in this new state of being “in Christ,” Peter’s life pointed to the remaking of all creation.
The merely brash Peter became the wise preacher Peter. Earlier he had not understood the prophets’ message about the Messiah, but now he was clear and on point. At one time Peter’s passion simply blurted. But now in his passion he could convict and invite!
God is in the business of healing people, pouring grace into them, and recommissioning them. This includes me and you. The Lord sees you, loves you, and has plans for you. Trust him.
Heavenly Father, continue your good work in us, remaking us for your glory and the blessing of the world. Help us to see what you are doing, and to serve you gladly, fully, and hopefully. Amen.
About the author — Dave Den Haan
Dave Den Haan is an ordained minister who works for Thrive, the Christian Reformed Church in North America agency that equips and encourages congregations. His main focus is to serve churches experiencing conflict and challenge. Before working with Thrive, Dave served as a pastor to two congregations, one in Minnesota and one in Michigan. He and his wife, Connie, have three married children and two grandchildren.
