Discover His heart: He will protect His own in ways we can’t imagine
Most of us remember individuals who have impacted our walk with the Lord, either introducing us to Him or guiding us along in our growth. I am still able to visualize the precious woman who led the Children’s Church when I was five and six years old and also the dear sisters, Margie and Harriet, who directed Junior Children’s Church Sunday after Sunday. Their Bible stories and commitment to the Lord spoke loudly to my young heart about what was really important in life. No one has impacted my spiritual life more than my own mom who lived out the gospel that she testified about so boldly every day of her life. I’m so thankful for this rich heritage of my faith, but I’m also thankful for a man I’ve never met whose words have indirectly impacted all of our lives today.
@ Acts 5
As we read last week, the High Council of Jews did not know what to do with Peter and John and their bold witness for Christ. The apostles continued to preach even though they were told not to do so and were arrested once again. Then, they somehow escaped from jail and were once again on the streets preaching, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (29) There are religious zealots today with this same tenacity. Unfortunately, their goal is to destroy lives rather than save them. I’ve wondered if I would have the same determination as the apostles to share Jesus with others if I faced the threat of death. I pray that I would.
The High Council determined to kill the apostles until one of their own, the Pharisee Gamaliel, gave them cause to pause, “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. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” (38-39)
Way to go Gamaliel! He more than likely thought this insurrection would die out, but I appreciate that he considered the possibility that it was from God. He seemed to be the only voice of reason present that day, and because of it, the apostles lived and went on to establish a strong church in Jerusalem. When this church was persecuted, it scattered and eventually the gospel reached all the way through the ages to me.
Since that time, many false prophets have threatened the church and caused us to be skeptical of any move of God that is different than what we have experienced; but at the same time, many true revivals have blessed and enriched the church. When we are confronted with a new move or revival, we will do well to be cautious in our criticism and skepticism of it. Instead, it would be wise to measure its message and its messengers by the Word of God rather than its style. If it is true and valid, we would not want to find ourselves “fighting against God!”
Moving Forward: Anything from you, Lord, I want it! I don’t care how different it may seem to me, because if it’s from you, no man can overthrow it.
Tomorrow @ Hebrews 11-13
Phyllis Benigas 