Then Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd.
Acts 2:14
lesson learned
Jerry Seinfeld is one of the most successful comedians of his generation. However, before his career flourished, Jerry learned a hard lesson. He describes the first time he went on stage. He says, up to that moment you assume the audience is in the mood to laugh, and as long as you’re appropriately funny and say a few funny things, you’ll be fine.
As soon as he started speaking, this impression vanished. There was silence in the audience. As you stand there, all you can hear is your own trembling voice, Jerry says. The shock was so severe that he could not even remember his belongings. He retreated from the stage crushed. However, that experience dispelled his false notions and replaced them with a true understanding of what it takes to make it in the world of entertainment.
The night before Jesus was to be crucified, the apostle Peter had to learn a cruel lesson. However, his statement was much more serious, much more profound. Until that night, Peter had come to believe that, in himself, he was strong and brave enough to stand up to his master. However, after Jesus’ arrest, Peter’s belief was shattered when someone asked him if he was a follower of Jesus. The strength and bravery he thought he possessed was not there at all. Instead of saying, “Yes, I am a follower of Jesus,” Peter lied. He said he didn’t even know this Jesus. And when two more people challenged him, he lied to them too.
That night shattered Peter’s false beliefs. He realized what a broken sinner he really was. But Jesus replaced Peter’s false notions with true understanding. He bore Peter’s sinful failures to the cross. He died for them. Then he raised himself from the dead.
Ten days later, after Jesus’ ascension, Peter had another opportunity to stand up for Jesus. This time, Peter spoke boldly. However, bravery and strength did not come from Peter. They came from the good news of what Jesus had done.
Our bravery and strength come from the same place.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, teach me the same lessons you taught Peter. Make me a courageous witness for Christ. Amen.
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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used with permission from Zondervan. All rights reserved world wide.
