Acts 4:23-30
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
Early in Acts 4, Peter and John had been taken into custody for preaching Jesus and the resurrection. When they were asked the next day, “By what power or name have you done this?”, part of their answer included these words: “There is salvation in no other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” They were then reprimanded and commanded not to “speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” – something they certainly would not stop doing!
Upon their release, Peter and John reported these events to their companions who praised God with great enthusiasm, and then prayed that God would grant further boldness to the Apostles so that they would continue to speak of Christ and the resurrection and do signs and wonders to the glory of God.
Do you pray for your faithful pastor? If not, please do; if you do, do it more. He needs your prayers and support as he crafts a scripturally sound sermon each week and prepares to serve you through Word and Sacrament. He needs your support as he visits the sick and biblically guides and teaches his flock. He relishes your love and care as he may even sacrifice family time in order to carry out his calling as an undershepherd of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus. He appreciates your encouragement as he is literally on call 24/7. And as a faithful man, he joyfully delivers this word: Christ paid for all your sins and continues to come to you with His forgiveness through Word and Sacrament.
Give thanks to God for your pastor, for Christ speaks, acts, and gives you Himself through this man who serves you Christ in order that your faith and salvation are strengthened, and for your own comfort and joy in Christ.
Let us pray: Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit on Thy servant now, we pray. Let him prove a faithful shepherd to Thy little lambs always. Amen.
