Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Deuteronomy 22 -24; Acts 5:22 -42
Against God – acts 5:27-42
27 The apostles were brought before the council where the high priest confronted them: 28 “In no uncertain terms, we demanded that you not teach in this name. And look at you! You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching. And you are determined to hold us responsible for this man’s death.”
29 Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than humans! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God has exalted Jesus to his right side as leader and savior so that he could enable Israel to change its heart and life and to find forgiveness for sins. 32 We are witnesses of such things, as is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 When the council members heard this, they became furious and wanted to kill the apostles. 34 One council member, a Pharisee and teacher of the Law named Gamaliel, well-respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be taken outside for a few moments. 35 He said, “Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you intend to do to these people. 36 Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and some four hundred men joined him. After he was killed, all of his followers scattered, and nothing came of that. 37 Afterward, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and got some people to follow him in a revolt. He was killed too, and all his followers scattered far and wide.38 Here’s my recommendation in this case: Distance yourselves from these men. Let them go! If their plan or activity is of human origin, it will end in ruin. 39 If it originates with God, you won’t be able to stop them. Instead, you would actually find yourselves fighting God!” The council was convinced by his reasoning. 40 After calling the apostles back, they had them beaten. They ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, then let them go. 41 The apostles left the council rejoicing because they had been regarded as worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of the name. 42 Every day they continued to teach and proclaim the good news that Jesus is the Christ, both in the temple and in houses.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
It is odd, but I see myself on the side of the Jewish Council, instead of the disciples.
Whenever we see a new expression of faith or religious practice, we have a tendency to see it with a skeptical view.
Because it is different from what I practice or believe, my initial reaction can be finding its flaws and prove it wrong.
And it surprises me, how many times, I might sound like the Jewish council.
At the moment, when the council was about to find the flaws of the new faith movement and crush it down, a teacher of the Law, Gamaliel shares an insight we should all abide by. Acts describe him as “a Pharisee and teacher of the Law …, well-respected by all the people” (Acts 5:34). The more one immerses themselves into the teaching from God, the more we see the wisdom that earns respect.
He said, “Here’s my recommendation in this case: Distance yourselves from these men. Let them go! If their plan or activity is of human origin, it will end in ruin. 39 If it originates with God, you won’t be able to stop them. Instead, you would actually find yourselves fighting God!” (v. 38-39).
Would we be able to withstand the burden of being against God, just because it is different from what we think or believe?
Prayer
Lord, it is your will that we should focus and follow. Help us to see your will, today. In the name of Jesus, we pray, AMEN.
Click to subscribe to our Daily Devotion.
You will receive a devotion in your inbox every morning.