Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd. (Acts 2:14)
Expanded Passage: Acts 2:14-16
In my contextual culture, respect is often associated with not confronting or voicing your honest opinion about an issue, because doing so is regarded as being impolite and largely unacceptable. I was at the public offices the other day and the services were not rendered efficiently. Nevertheless, everyone there seemed prepared not to voice our frustrations.
Then, a well-spoken gentleman joined the queue. He immediately noticed the lack of proper services and expressed his concerns about the lack of urgency to assist the members of the public. At that stage, the rest of us all seemed to gather a bit of strength to nod along or offer a little murmur in agreement.
Similarly, Peter stood up among the eleven disciples and raised his voice courageously, and as leaders, the Lord prepares and expects us to speak out of our godly convictions. When we are afraid to speak out, injustices, wrong perceptions, and evil prevail in society. God is looking for courageous leaders to stand up and speak with the kingdom’s prophetic and apostolic voice in the current affairs of our nations.
Where do you need to raise your voice and be heard? Who needs to hear your bold, righteous voice? Be brave and in wisdom speak out to silence negative voices and let the voice of the kingdom of God be louder.
Choose to speak out for the greater good.
Jim Machuku is an ordained minister, lead pastor, and educator. He is passionate about leadership development and community transformation.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
