Now Is The Time: Acts Youth JourneySample

CALLED TO BE OUT FRONT!

PRAY:

God, thank you that I am the head and not the tail, I am above and not beneath. I’ve been called to lead others to you, and I am honored.

READ:

Acts 2.1-47

On the day of Pentecost, the room was filled with the presence of God. Just as Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit came on Jesus’ followers like a bolt of fire. When it fell on each person, they began speaking different languages. Imagine that! A bunch of believers from different nations who had gathered in Jerusalem to seek God's face, were surprised to hear these followers speaking languages they did not know. Soon a crowd gathered around and they mocked the people who were praying and speaking these new languages because they looked drunk and weird. But Peter, who not too long before had acted grimy by denying he knew Jesus, was now the front man for the group. He explained that the people were not weird or drunk. What the crowd was seeing, up close and personal, was really a prophecy, told by the prophet Joel, coming true. God had promised to send his Spirit to his people and it was happening, just as God had said!

Many times you will be mocked by the world for following Jesus, but don’t worry about it because Jesus himself was mocked, yet he overcame everything evil in the world.

REFLECT:

Are you willing to be a leader for God and not a follower after the things the world offers? Do you find your worth in what others think or say about you?

RESPOND:

Although we live in a fallen world where sinning is the cool thing to do, our mission is to lead others to Jesus and discourage them from following what seems pleasurable at the moment. This week, take time to introduce someone to Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14.6).

Lord, when I’m out front, remind me that I’m there to rep you, and you alone. Give me courage and let me not back down no matter how others may mock me.