Stress Test Devotional April 20
April 20, 2024
ACTS 2:29-36 | “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,
‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.’
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”’
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Our capacity to dream faithfully grows along with our understanding of Jesus. Initially, the disciples dreamed of following a Rabbi who’d teach and inform them. Later, after they saw his mistakes and heard his claims, they saw him as the Messiah, and believed he would free Israel and fulfill the hopes of the nation. After the shock and awe of the cross and resurrection, they understood his divine character and confessed him as Lord. With each insight came a new dream; local Master, national hero, divine Savior, and cosmic ruler who will return to make all things new.
Is Jesus at the center of your dreams?
If not, why not?
Have you grown in your understanding of him in the last year?
