… the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David
Here is recognition of the working and ministry of the Holy Spirit. The disciples knew the Holy Spirit from scripture. They knew the Holy Spirit as ‘Neshama’ the life force and the life breathed at creation and as ‘Ruach’ hovering and anointing people for tasks of creativity and strength and as presence and life. Zechariah 7:12 says the Holy Spirit is the deliverer if the prophetic words spoken through history. Peter is not saying anything new but it feels new it has life in it now. It has a reality. They are standing in a moment of prophetic fulfilment. And they know it. Peter is bold enough or reckless enough or inspired enough to stand a say, “this is the time”. Peter knows the scripture. He knows what needs to be done. He knows the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the prophecy and that gives him voice. Just as Jesus retreated to prayer with the father so Peter has caught an action of the Father and he stands and he speaks.
Question
How well do you know God’s direction through scripture are there any actions you need to take to be more confident about what God has called you to be and do? And what specific words has he spoken to you? What is holding you back from standing and saying, “this is the time”?
Prayer
God of all inspiration and language let me hear your words. Let me know when it is time and fill me with boldness and blessed assurance to act in that moment and for as long as it takes.