The Jewish Council in Jerusalem were upset with the courage of Peter and John. Peter and John were ordinary men and unschooled yet they had healed a crippled beggar. (Acts Chap.3)They also proclaimed, in Jesus, the resurrection of the dead. Peter and John were seized and jailed. Yet many who heard the message believed, and the number of believers in Jerusalem grew to about 5,000. The Jewish Council continued to be angered by Peter and John and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19,20)
When they were released, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the council had said to them. When their friends heard this, together they cried out to God with one united mind for His power and direction in their lives.
Lesson to be remembered: Don't let a problem become overly important. Go to God (nothing is bigger than God), extol His virtues and remember His strength and courage is ours for the asking and with these gifts we can deal with any problem.
Study/ Peter and John's zeal for the Lord was so strong that they could not keep quiet, even when threatened. "Would that our courage would increase. Remember Jesus promise, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in Heaven." " Mt.10:32
This verse is one that is worthwhile to have memorized. I have not memorized it, and believe that I must if I am ever to believe that is what Christ wants me to do.
Last week, a neighbor, whose nickname is George, brought back a plate I had sent over to her with a small salad for her to enjoy. She had mentioned once to me that another neighbor who since had moved away often brought her a little left over from their own dinner, as it was known that George didn't like to cook. Her husband had recently passed away and so I had tried to be friendly. But upon the return of the salad plate, George made it very clear that she would not listen to any one who tried to get her to become a Christian--or any other religion. She wanted no part of it. And I froze. That is, my speech died and I froze. I need to trust God with Mt. 10:32 and ask God to clear the way for me. I trust that if God does want me to go against what this woman has asked for, I will need His help.
Peter and John swelled the company of Christians to 5,000 people. Praise God for Peter & John! I cannot get one person to listen! This deserves some prayer...and perhaps some confidence in God, for His words, for His timing, and for His patience. Are you with me?
Between us, let's pray with the zeal of Peter and John that the Lord would not let up or keep quiet re. having the skill, the opportunity, and the joy of speaking for Him. Let's do it!
Oh, may our hearts be true and may our numbers grow!
Jo in MN
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