Thursday, October 5
Acts 5:27-29, 5:33, 5:40-42
The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Devotional:
In verse 27 the Apostles are being brought back to the Sanhedrin who had put them in jail. Then, during the night an Angel came and brought them out. The Angel told them to go to the temple and tell all the people about the new life that they had been given through Christ. They did this after they were put in jail and were told to never speak about, teach about, or give account of what they saw Jesus do. Even when faced by the high priest in court, Peter told them, “I can’t listen to you; I have to listen to what God is telling me to do.” They were sent out again and the Sanhedrin talked amongst themselves. When they brought the Apostles back in, they were beaten and told not to speak of Jesus anymore.
They got up after the beating and went out “REJOICING” (picture them dancing and singing), because they had suffered for Jesus. Then they continued speaking out in the name of Jesus. For Jesus, they continued telling anyone and everyone about the good news that Jesus was the Messiah.
Prayer:
Father, I come to You as Your servant. Today would You help me bring praises to Your name? I also ask that You give me opportunities today to share Your good news; please give me the courage to open my mouth when that opportunity arises. Spirit, I ask that You guide me in what words to speak, so when I share Your good news it is clear to whoever You have me telling. Father, I ask all these things in your Son’s great and glorious name. Amen.
Application:
Today PRAY for God to show you a new way to share the good news. PRAY also for Him to give you opportunities to share His amazing Gospel.