Throughout the Easter Season, the daily devotions have been written by members of Faith Lutheran Church. Today’s writer is Helen Watson.
“We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:39-43
Earlier in Acts 10, we read that Peter and the centurion Cornelius had prayed and received visions. Because they both took action (praying, listening, acting on the visions), then Peter had the opportunity to tell Cornelius and his family and friends what he had seen and heard. Peter was an eye witness, and he tells of Jesus’s healing acts, His suffering, resurrection, and His appearances to the disciples. Peter tells of being commanded by Jesus to testify that everyone may receive forgiveness of sins through His name.
Cornelius’s group is familiar with the words of the prophets, and now they hear that those prophecies are fulfilled. What a powerful new message Peter has for them, that by believing in Jesus they receive forgiveness in His name.
Fast forward to now, most people we encounter in our daily lives have already heard of Jesus in some way. But what have they actually seen and heard from the world about Jesus? What have they seen or heard from me?
I am reminded of the song lyrics – “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” I can practice kindness and service with those that God puts in my path. The sharing of my faith in words is harder to do. I can pray for boldness on that.
Let us pray: Dear God, thank you for the message of forgiveness we can share. Help us to be a blessing to others. Give us courage to share our faith story with those You send our way. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
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