Contributed by Jerral Campfield
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Saturday, 26 October 2019 |
35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, [h]take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. It is amazing how many times people have to be held accountable for what they do and say even today. You need to govern yourselves, be in charge and not let your anger get in the way. Sounds like good advice for all even today. Anger is our biggest weapon against sin and yet can destroy relationship and break up families and Churches. So to be angry and sin not is possible as we let God deal with our behavior and attitude in all areas of life. Look at how many people are angry and become full of bitterness around the world and notice how they life with degradation and shame to where they can be careful in any way, and are filthy in character and appearance of property and things they own. They fall into the pit which they dig. Let’s be aware of what bothers us so we do not get imbittered and do what we don’t like. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, [i]joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. Theudas a man that boasted himself as a great one; a teacher, or prince with a divine commission to bring revolution to the Church or the world to where four hundred joined to Him but he was slain and those who followed where scattered and became nothing? You’re going to be just like him for your going to smite the shepherd and the sheep are going to be scattered. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. Notice another Judas of Galilee one involved with taxes and drew away people who gave credit to his work, but everyone was not fooled by his behavior and they and the attitude perished. Many today are following people foolishly and throw away their lives by being jealous of others liberty to do what they want. We are never able to do what we wants but what does God want for us, not my will but God will is what bring security of abiding in the vine; Jesus. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; Refrain do not punish or persecute but stay away from getting upset and let the future take care of them. Let them go, to do their thing without putting a hand on them for if this plan or work they are involved with will dissolve on it own. It is amazing how many times God intervenes on our behalf by using men or women. 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” But if it is of God is a statement that needs to be seen in our Churches to give us the ability to trust Him and obey. For God is the one who sets the standards for living in the spirit. We are simply His and He can take a nobody and make him or her a somebody, as we grow in the vine. This is giving the Church hope in beginning its message for the way, truth and life that is going to last forever, God created the law and as our school master for Grace. God’s love is never going to pass away and become naught. He is going to take care of the enemy in His time.
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Interesting they agreed but nor without making them suffer. Remember Pilate made the Lord suffer even though they found no fault in Him. Yet God manifested Himself to the people by having Jesus come out of the grave and talk and give comfort of the Holy Spirit to all. Notice these Disciples where full of the Spirit of God so what they suffered did not bother them but blest them. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for [j]His name. They did not depart mad or angry of the unjust treatment but departed with the joy of the Lord they were alive and still hand a voice to praise God for what happen to them. They understood God was the one that was going to judge them with Righteousness. They were more interested with their souls and spirits then what man could do to the Body. Here you can be sure their bodies were visibly torn and beaten yet not one word of regret or disdain. They were men who had a reputation. As they did no do anything wrong. They knew what it was like to suffer for the cause of Christ. Here they were counted as worthy to suffer shame. They were honored to be dishonored for Christ, to where they were comfortable doing the service of the Lord. They did not forget what Jesus said to them in Matthew 5:11-12 When men shall revile you and persecute you, rejoice and be exceedingly glad. So here they are rejoicing as they go about the business of the Lord. This was God grace given to them as they accept abiding in the vine; Jesus so they could produce fruit regardless of the circumstance. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Notice daily they preached as it was their duty or job not fearing what man can do to them. They did it in public and privately in every house. Even promiscuous assemblies and the selected assemblies of Christians. Nothing was going to excuse them from speaking out for the way, truth and life that comes as we are connected to God. They know they needed to be prepared in season and out of season as the entered the enemies camp. They had a subject matter to their preaching of making sure the name of Jesus was lifted higher. They proposed Jesus is to be heard, trusted to believe in as they worshiped and reverenced the Lord so their prayers could be heard and answered. They did not preach about themselves, but Christ as a faithful friend and bridegroom who is going to empower until we are called home. They preach Christ being crucified and glorified so we can have hope in the world we live in as Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. |