The Spirit Bearing Witness to Jesus
Saturday’s Verse:
From Acts 5:30 ESV
Peter said, “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.”
During the season of Pentecost, the Church rejoices that the risen Christ continues His work through the Holy Spirit. In Acts 5, Peter stands before the very authorities who had opposed Jesus and boldly proclaims the heart of the Gospel. He does not soften the truth: humanity's sin put Christ on the cross. Yet he immediately declares the greater truth: God raised Him from the dead.
For Lutherans, this verse reminds us of two realities. First, the Law exposes our sin. The cross is not merely the result of ancient injustice; it reveals the depth of our rebellion against God. We, too, are among those for whom Christ was "hung on a tree."
But second, and even more importantly, the Gospel shines. The Father raised Jesus. Sin, death, and the devil did not have the final word. Christ's resurrection is God's declaration that the sacrifice for sin has been accepted and that forgiveness is won for all who believe.
Pentecost is not primarily about our spiritual enthusiasm or strength. It is about the Spirit bearing witness to this crucified and risen Savior. The same Spirit who emboldened Peter now works through Word and Sacrament to create faith in our hearts and keep us steadfast in Christ.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Risen Lord Jesus, You were lifted up on the tree to bear my sins and were raised for my justification. Send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen my faith, that I may confess Your name with courage and trust in Your forgiveness with confidence. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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