2014-02-22 - Be Prepared for Action

1 Peter 2:13 (NIV) "Therefore, prepare you minds for action."

The Apostle Peter was a man of action. A fisherman, Peter, was called by Christ to "Follow Me." Peter obeyed, and he followed Jesus during His entire earthly ministry. Along with James and John, Peter was part of Jesus' inner circle. Peter was present for all the big events during Jesus' time on Earth. After Jesus was arrested, Peter denied Jesus three times. Following His resurrection, Jesus sought out and restored Peter, to the ministry of spreading the Good News.

After Pentecost, Peter became the chief spokesman for the Apostles. Peter was frequently jailed for being a vocal proclaimer of the Gospel. The Jewish Sanhedrin sought to silence him. Peter's response was, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20, NIV)

Peter encouraged the young believers to be men and women of action. In 1 Peter 2:13, Peter was telling them to prepare for action. The NIV Text Note for this verse tells us that, in Peter's time, to prepare for action was to gather one's long-flowing garments, and to be ready for physical action.

Peter's admonition to prepare for action applies to us today. We should always be ready to serve Christ. We prepare by studying the Scriptures, praying, worshipping, and obeying His word. What actions are we called to perform? We can visit the sick and homebound. We can pray for and financially support our missionaries. We can feed the homeless. We can teach Sunday school, sing in the choir and/or share the Good News. Are you ready for action?

 Richard Moser, Jr
http://www.cfdevotionals.org