S: Acts 4
18 They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, 20 for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.”
21 When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
23 Being let go, they came to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; 25 who by the mouth of your servant, David, said,
‘Why do the nations rage,
and the peoples plot a vain thing?
26 The kings of the earth take a stand,
and the rulers take council together,
against the Lord, and against his Christ.’ (Psalm 2:1-2)
27 “For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen. 29 Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
O: When we think of the Holy Spirit coming down and shaking the apostles and send them out with boldness, we usually think of the 2nd chapter of Acts – Pentecost. But here we have another similar occurrence, and it happens right after they did another bold act – to stand up to the Sanhedrin telling them not to preach the Gospel.
We usually think of this as an example of when it is correct to disobey the properly constituted authorities above us – when man’s law goes against God’s law. But I hadn’t thought about how the Holy Spirit then came down in power again on them and led them out with boldness, and many more came to know Jesus as a result.
A: They quoted Psalm 2, to remind themselves that God is more powerful than the earthly authorities. The Bible generally tells us to be good citizens, obeying the authorities. But we usually are willing to defy the authorities in small matters – e.g. speeding – but then are wary of even going against popular opinion or feeling intimidated to share with our friends and family the hope that is in us. We need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit and be bold in sharing the love that Jesus has given us. Most of the time, in most situations, this isn’t even illegal. We merely feel intimidated. So, we need to overcome that feeling of intimidation.
P: Father, may I be bold in sharing your Gospel with my friends and family. May I do it in a winsome way, that draws people to you, rather than offends them and pushes them away, but help me to overcome any feelings of intimidation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment