Slowly read Acts 5:12-42, and then continue.
Woah. Sounds like the apostles were having a bit of a rough time, to say the least. They were simply going about their daily life; preaching and healing when they were throw in jail for following the commands of God. They did not despair. The apostles had hope and faith that God would rescue them; they did not worry or fear they simply trusted.
And God rescued them indeed! They were led out of the jail and commanded to go and tell all people about their new way of life. When it was noticed that the apostles were missing from their cell and instead found in the temple, the high priest questioned them, “We gave you strict orders to stop teaching in that name. Yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” ~Acts 5:28. To which they replied, “We must obey God, not man.” ~Acts 5:29
Gamaliel then spoke to the people, bidding them to be careful about what they do to these men. Saying, “have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” ~Acts 5:38-39
So, the apostles were flogged and dismissed. And upon their departure they were “rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.” ~Act 5:41
In this life we are called to imitate the apostles; and that is one tremendous task! We are called to share our faith with all of those around us, knowing that it will not always be peaches and cream, that we will face persecution and opposition. But instead of backing down or despairing we are called to live boldly, knowing that the truth will indeed set us free. And set free, you will always be when you learn to obey God rather than man.
In a reflection by the “A to Z Guide to Bible Application” it is written, ‘Faith in God does not make troubles disappear. Rather, it makes troubles appear less fearsome because it puts them in the right perspective. You cannot expect everyone to react favorably when you share something as dynamic as your faith in Christ. But remember that you must be more concerned about God’s reactions than people’s.’ <--Epic win!
The high priest did not want the apostles to be teaching or ‘bringing this man’s blood upon us.’ However that is EXACTLY what we are called to do. To teach, by example and words, the way of Christ and to bring His blood upon everyone, for in Christ’s blood alone are we purified.
Troubles will arise, opposition will be had; but fall on God and you will be upheld. For what is of God, no matter how brutally or consistently attacked, will stand forever. You will not be destroyed if God is your center.
And when you are attacked, REJOICE! For as the apostles, you have been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of Christ!! You were chosen from all people, because God knows that you have what it takes to withstand the hurricane of suffering. He knows this because you, His chosen one, do not have only yourself but you also have Him. And not only do you have Him, you have faith and trust that He has you, cradled in the palm of His hand; where He is and will be watching over you forever.
Life cycle of a Christian disciple:
Go out and live!
Peace
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