Intro: The new life Jesus brings his followers is certainly something to shout about each day. Whatever is going on in our lives, Jesus is ready to bring abundant Wisdom and the Spirit is positioned to bring victory. Our part is to be willing to receive a higher perspective [God’s Word modeled by Christ] of life and to reach for our Helper—the Holy Spirit of truth and power—in order to please the Father.
I tend to be a rather tenacious individual when it comes to my life with Jesus; I cling to the unshakable One, because I perceive this world as a chaotic domain of unrighteous thinking and living. I need wise guidance from my Creator. I can only live the victorious life I was created to live if I know the heart of my Maker—the Lord of heaven and earth. The same is true for you.
Our passage today is from the Book of Acts—the Acts of the Apostles—written by Luke. According to Scripture, since the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter and the other apostles have been performing signs and wonders, as well as healing many people. News has gotten out about this new life filling and spilling out of the apostles. Peter has been called by the Lord to establish the early church and, as a result, he and the other apostles face unrighteous persecution from the jealous Jewish priests and leaders. So, these religious folks have the apostles arrested. However, jail can’t hold the Word and the Spirit back, so before long an angel comes to free the apostles and immediately they are back teaching in the temple courts about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. When asked why they were teaching about Jesus when they were given strict orders not to do so, these new believers, filled with the life of Christ, responded, “We must obey God rather than men.” Of course, they find themselves in trouble again!
Acts 5:33-42 NLT 33 When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. 34 But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. 35 Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! 36 Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. 37 After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.
38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.
41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing a way for us to know the truth and for the strength to cling to you each day. Make us bold, strong, and resolved to honor and obey you. We want to do things in your strength for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.