Today, we read that after Peter and John were released by the chief priests and elders, following the healing of the crippled man at the beautiful gate and their subsequent preaching around the temple. After their release they reported to the Christian community what they had experienced at the hand of these religious and secular leaders.
Together, Peter, John, and the Christian community offered prayer and petitions to God. One of their prayers of petitions was asking for the gift of courage to continue to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, the crucified and resurrected one. (Acts 4: 23-31) They prayed, “Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” They prayed for courage and boldness to proclaim Jesus to the world, even in the face of threats.
Like the two apostles, Peter and John, we must make it our constant habit to pray for the grace to be courageous in the midst of daily persecutions and challenges. We need to be bold in bearing witness to Christ and His church.
In the gospel, we hear Jesus talking about the need to be “born again.”
Therefore, are you “born again?” Do you experience spiritual rebirth? Are you willing to bear witness to Christ at all costs?
We all need to undergo a spiritual transformation through Christ, in which our old selves are put to death, and we are reborn into a new self. This is the essence of becoming a Christian, or “born again” as we embark on a fresh journey with Christ.
Have a wonderful week!
