Acts 2:22. “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:”
A MAN APPROVED OF GOD. Right at home where He was raised – and rejected by men; Approved, as the God-Man moving untouched above the cliff – The fulfillment of scripture made public as He read – Then explained – He was a Man approved of God.
Moving through the pressing crowd – officers on a mission, “Take Him” – but reaching hands could not overtake listening ears. Thirsting hearts overcome orders of mere envious, religious leaders – “Never man spake like this Man” – to officers, He was a Man approved of God.
Standing in the suddenly motionless boat on a calm sea – Moments before clinging tightly in a wildly tossing storm – White-knuckled hands released; loud shouting voices now mere whispers. “What manner of man is this” – to disciples He was a Man approved of God.
A dying thief watches, listens and changes his mind. He has seen and heard the difference between them – He admits he is a malefactor; he is a thief getting what he deserves. Jesus: “This Man has done nothing amiss” – He is a Man approved of God.
The centurion responsible to carry out a perversion of justice – Listens, watches, experiences the darkness – feels the ground shake; Heard the loud cry, “Finished!” Sees the breaking stones – the blood and water – “This was a righteous man” – to the soldiers He is a Man approved of God.
“O God who found great delight in the Perfect Man: what a joy it must have been to Thee to watch the life and work of the only perfect human who ever lived. This was the way it is supposed to be always and with everyone. But I am thankful that He was willing to be my substitute and give His righteous acceptance to me. I am Thy child, Father, and I worship Thee here in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”