January 18th - Reflection

Reading
Confession of Peter
Acts 4:8-13 (NRSV)

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is
'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.'
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus.

Reflection
Let's face it, we have all, at one time or another, crucified Jesus. We have all, at one time or another, abandoned Him. We have all, at one time or another, thought that we could do this all on our own. We have all, at one time or another, decided that our plan, was the way to salvation. And just because someone without credentials is honest enough to make this known to you, don't be so amazed. Because it's not the credentials speaking. It is the Truth speaking, and that Truth, is Jesus Christ Himself. The Stone that you and I have rejected.

But in this honest and truthful statement, we come to know that we need Him. In this truthfulness we come to the understanding that our salvation comes in no one else but Jesus. Our salvation does not come through our own deeds or the following of a denomination, a leader, or anything else. Our salvation comes through Jesus Christ. Now that is something to be amazed about, for we crucified our Savior, yet God raised Him from the dead! For us! Amazing!

Prayer
Lord, I focus my life on You, for through You alone is salvation. Thanks be to God! ---Amen