11/03/18 It is of God

READING: Acts 5-8

“They continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”

Acts 5:42

Gamaliel, the learned scholar, gave this advice to the religious leaders who tried to stand against the early church: “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re about to do to these men. . . .   I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail;  but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God” (Acts 5:34-39). He had seen other movements start and fail, and he was willing to give Christianity the same chance. It would fail if God had nothing to do with it; but, if God were in it, nothing they did could stop it anyway.  

Indeed, the next verses give a hint about what would happen. The religious leaders flogged the disciples and told them not to speak in the name of Jesus, but “every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah” (Acts 5:42). The disciples even rejoiced that they were counted worthy to be persecuted for Jesus’ name!

How can you stop a movement where its leaders are willing to suffer for their Redeemer? The worst you can do is kill them, but they’d be honored to die for Christ. That kind of commitment actually draws people to Jesus, not away from Him.

ACTION STEPS:  

  • Consider believers around the world who are suffering for Christ. Pray for them.
  • Thank God that His movement just keeps moving forward!

PRAYER: “God, make me willing to teach Your Word, regardless of the cost.”

TOMORROW’S READING:  Review and catch-up day

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