“Acts 4:23-37”

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

“When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, ‘O Lord, it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, “Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples devise futile things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.” For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.’ And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

---End of Scripture verses---

After Peter and John were released from their wrongful incarceration and interrogation, they returned to their brethren in Christ and reported the incident to them (verse 23). As you might expect, the first thing they did afterward was to pray. That should be our first response to the events and situations of our lives, whether good or bad. We should take it all to God in prayer. It is appropriate to offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving for all the blessed things God does for us, and to petition Him for help with the things that trouble us.

But I really love the nature of this prayer. Notice now, they didn’t pray the Lord to obliterate their enemies from the face of the earth. They didn’t ask God to insulate them from the dangers associated with living lives of firm conviction. They prayed for confidence and boldness to speak in the face of the perils associated with being vocal for Christ Jesus (verse 29). What these Christians were keenly aware of, and what we often lose sight of, is that they had the most important message in human history to deliver to the people of the world. May God grant us the courage to speak the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ to the people we know and meet, even if they are offended by the Truth. Everybody needs forgiveness whether or not they know it or choose to accept it.

Also notice that the shared trials and ordeals these brethren experienced only served to draw them closer together in their service to the Lord. I just love the statement in verse 32 that says, “the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and one soul.” This family in Christ truly loved one another and helped share each other’s burdens. It always helps to facilitate this kind of unity when there is a Barnabas in the mix (verse 36). Let’s try our very best to be sons and daughters of encouragement, strengthening our brothers and sisters when they need a hand to lift them up.

Please read Acts 5:1-11 for tomorrow. May God bless your day today.

- Louie Taylor

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