Unstoppable! 'Rejected Leadership, Rejected God' — Acts 7:39-41

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

[Stephen, in his defense before the council, emphasized how the Jewish ancestors had turned against Moses during their time in the Sinai wilderness:] "But our ancestors refused to listen to Moses. They rejected him and wanted to return to Egypt. They told Aaron, 'Make us some gods who can lead us, for we don't know what has become of this Moses, who brought us out of Egypt.' So they made an idol shaped like a calf, and they sacrificed to it and celebrated over this thing they had made."
— Acts 7:39-41 NLT

Key Thought

The Israelites rejected Moses, and in so doing, they also rejected God. They trusted in the work of their hands instead of trusting the deliverance they had received from God. They quickly forgot what God had done and the leader he had chosen to deliver them. Generations later, the Israelites did the same with Jesus. But are we different? Do we call on God only when we are desperate and need him to solve some problem? Do we expect God to do our will instead of surrendering our lives to his will? Do we expect God to protect us while we ignore his warnings about the consequences of disobedience?

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive us, forgive me, for so quickly forgetting all of your blessings. Forgive me for choosing my own will and following my own path. Forgive me for ignoring your calls to live life by Jesus' standard and not the world's standard. I recognize, dear Father, that your people have repeatedly turned away from you and your will for them — all to their harm. Come, O Holy Spirit, and anoint us with power and clean hearts so that we pursue the way of the Lord out of reverential appreciation for all he has done. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 51:1-17
  • Psalm 19:7-14

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, April 12, 2023

A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!"
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me..."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, who sees my heart, Help me to follow the excellent example of the Apostle Paul. Though he had a right to earn his livelihood from his..."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Our blessed Lord experienced a terrible sinking and melting of soul. "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 7:39-41 NLT — [Stephen, in his defense before the council, emphasized how the Jewish ancestors had turned against Moses during their time in the Sinai wilderness:] "But our ancestors refused to listen to Moses. They rejected him and wanted to return to Egypt. They told Aaron, 'Make us some gods who can lead us, for we don't know what has become of this Moses, who brought us out of Egypt.' So they made an idol shaped like a calf, and they sacrificed to it and celebrated over this thing they had made."

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.