Jesus, Savior Of The World
Tuesday, August 13
Acts 2:22-24 (NIV)
“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”
Devotion
From the moment sin entered the world, humanity became captives—enslaved by sin and separated from the holy presence of God. The Old Testament is full of prophecies and promises that a Savior would come, One who would set the captives free and restore the broken relationship between God and humanity. This Savior is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who was sent by God to accomplish His divine plan of redemption.
In Acts 2:22-24, Peter speaks to the crowd gathered on the day of Pentecost, proclaiming the truth about Jesus of Nazareth. He reminds them that Jesus was accredited by God through miracles, wonders, and signs—proof of his divine authority and mission. Yet, despite this clear evidence, Jesus was betrayed, crucified, and buried. But this was no accident or twist of fate; it was all part of God's deliberate plan.
God's plan was always to redeem His people through the sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross was not the end but the beginning of our freedom. Jesus willingly laid down his life to pay the penalty for our sins, and in doing so, he broke the chains of sin and death that held us captive.
Through his resurrection, Jesus set us free from the power of sin, offering us new life in him. He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1, where it was declared that the Messiah would "proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
Jesus’ mission was always about setting us free—free from sin, free from the bondage of the enemy, and free to live in the fullness of God's love and purpose for our lives.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the power of Jesus in his indestructible life. I confess that it was my sin that nailed Jesus to the cross. I thank You for Jesus' resurrection and for the opportunity I have to share in Jesus' resurrection power. Help me be dead to sin through the waters of baptism, so that by sharing in Jesus' death, I may also share in his resurrection power. Help me count myself dead to sin, but alive to You in Jesus. Help me model the love and living power of the resurrection, so that through me, others may come to trust Jesus also. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Do you believe that Jesus came to set the captives free? Do you have a testimony of Jesus setting you free from sin that kept you enslaved? Don’t be ashamed to declare it; God is honored when we testify to His goodness. Are you still a slave to sin that Scripture says will keep you outside of heaven (see, for example, Revelation 22:15)? There is no benefit in pretending you are free – confess it and cry out to Jesus for mercy, forgiveness, and deliverance. Earnestly seek the Lord until you have it.
Resources
- It’s one thing to be free, and it’s another thing to live free. Watch the message, “How To Stay Free”, and receive the grace to live a victorious life in Christ.
- If you would like to rededicate your life to the Lord, pray the Salvation Prayer today.