22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” Acts 2:22-24, 36

The men who understood the meaning of Easter are the ones closest to the event. Peter and the rest of the disciples, minus Judas, had a first-hand look at everything that unfolded. How they thought about and articulated what they experienced should be at the forefront of our minds as we approach Easter Sunday. Pay close attention to Peter's emphasis. His main concern was establishing that Jesus is God's anointed leader. The appropriate response to this revelation, according to Peter, is to repent and be baptized. In other words, turn from other leadership and pledge loyalty to Christ.

Let the celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ be a time to evaluate His leadership in your life. Ask God to reveal to you areas where God has not been allowed to lead and pray for the courage to let Him direct you. Remember that Jesus modeled this perfectly as a man who acted on the Father's will. The cross represents obedience and God's leadership. Identify where you can better follow God in your life and offer that up in celebration of Easter.

DO THIS TODAY: Decide to follow God's leadership more fully in one area of your life.