Unstoppable! 'Get Ready for Critics' — Acts 2:11-13

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

[In response to the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' followers, the crowd responded:] "And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!" They stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other.

But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, "They're just drunk, that's all!"

— Acts 2:11-13 NLT

Key Thought

Many in the crowd heard the believers in Jesus and recognized something special was happening. However, some were skeptical. As believers in Christ, we know there will always be skeptics and critics. Some don't believe in the power of God to do mighty things in our world today. Others have chosen to approach life with skepticism. And some have religious prejudices that make it hard for them to be open to any God-event outside their own theology or experience. As God's people, we must not let criticism or skepticism from unbelievers deter our passion for reaching the lost or from believing in our God who will do what is necessary to reach lost people. When God acts, we need to be looking for ways to connect with people and bring them closer to Jesus!

Today's Prayer

O God, give me wisdom as I interact with those who do not have faith. I do not want to alienate them from Jesus by my words, attitude, or actions. However, I also do not want to ignore their concerns when you have opened a door for me to speak hope and life into their questions. I need the wisdom you provide through your Spirit to know how best to respond with gentleness, respect, and truth. Give me the words I need to speak so I can share my hope in Jesus. However, dear LORD, don't let me become so focused on the critics and skeptics that I lose sight of those around who are hungry, now, for Jesus. I ask for this help and wisdom in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Peter 3:15-16; Colossians 4:6
  • Luke 7:36-50, 14:1-6

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 2:11-13 NLT — [In response to the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' followers, the crowd responded:] "And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!" They stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other. But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, "They're just drunk, that's all!"

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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