Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They SEE the boldness of Peter and John healing a lame man then preaching about the Christ that THEY crucified. 3,000 respond in baptism. 5,000 respond to Peter's sermon. You know Peter, the one in the square who cowered when asked if he even knew Jesus...while Caiphas was passing the verdict of crucifixion. Caiphas sees strength in Peter that wasn't there when our Christ died.
Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They KNOW they cannot stop the power of the Risen Christ. So, Caiphas asks: "By what power or by what name did you do this?" Acts 4:10 ~ The Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified. Whom God raised from the dead. Who makes this man stand well. Who makes you stand well this day.
Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They HEAR Acts 4:12 "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." So, why do men go on living for this world as though this is what life is all about?
Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They RECOGNIZE that these disciples had been with Jesus ~ Act 4:13. These leaders of Jerusalem couldn't deny that the man was healed so they ask the disciples to not speak in His Name. Acts 4:20 ~ "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Do you recognize when you have been with Jesus? Do others recognize it? I'm struck by the thought that what matters most is that God walks with us. That's why we will be faithful. That's why we can stand well. God walks with you!
"In desperate confusion and anguish, you will know me in ways that no one knows Me in comfort." 66 LL
ReplyDeleteI have not been able to find a full-time job with benefits for the past 5 years now...been working substitute teaching with no benefits.
I have been offered a full-time teaching position in the fall with benefits. In order for our family to receive the full benefits of health insurance, it will cost us $17,000. I'm flabbergasted. It depletes the salary.
Would you pray for me that I find a job with benefits that will serve our family. We have past medical bills that loom large. Psalm 30:24, The Message "Be Brave. Be Strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon."