Unstoppable! 'God’s Deliverers Are People like Us' — Acts 7:34-35

Sunday, April 9, 2023

[Stephen continued his defense before the council by quoting what God said to Moses when calling him back to Egypt to save God's people:] "'I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt.'

"So God sent back the same man his people had previously rejected when they demanded, 'Who made you a ruler and judge over us?' Through the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush, God sent Moses to be their ruler and savior."

— Acts 7:34-35 NLT

Key Thought

God uses broken dreams, humble people, and everyday servants to do the most important work in our world. Jesus emphasized this truth repeatedly in his ministry: "The greatest among you must be a servant" (Matthew 23:11). Moses learned that the key to his dreams of being the deliverer for his oppressed people was not his power or his position; it was his humble willingness to be rebuilt and equipped by God in lowly service to things and in places that seemed unimportant. There is no menial place of work or service if we do it trusting the Lord to use us for his purposes!

Today's Prayer

O God, I admit that I struggle with pride. Those childhood playtime fantasies of being the hero and someone important have not died in my heart. However, I know you long to use me for your glory and have me live into those dreams of serving others in powerful ways. So, dear Father, I ask the Spirit to humble me gently and re-tool my heart to cling to the holy part of my childhood dreams and allow you to fashion me into a tool of honor that you will use in your service. I ask this in Jesus' name, the name that is above all names because he was a sacrificing servant of all. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 2:5-11
  • 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, April 9, 2023

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Giving Thanks' (Ps. 50:23)
"[God says] "But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.""
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Outside Our Circle' (Lk. 6:33-34)
"[Jesus continued his teaching on our interactions with others:] "And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God's Forgiveness Requires You to Forgive'
"Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in heaven will....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by John of the Cross:
"However high be your endeavors, unless you renounce and subjugate your own will — unless you forget yourself and all that pertains to yourself — not..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 7:34-35 NLT — [Stephen continued his defense before the council by quoting what God said to Moses when calling him back to Egypt to save God's people:] "'I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt.' "So God sent back the same man his people had previously rejected when they demanded, 'Who made you a ruler and judge over us?' Through the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush, God sent Moses to be their ruler and savior."

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.

More Unstoppable!