SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:12-26
OBSERVATION:
Here we see both the appeal and the danger of the message of Jesus. The miraculous signs were certainly a big draw, and many people believed in Jesus as the Messiah, though they did not dare go public. What happened to the apostles shows the danger, but also shows how the Lord was at work to help them fulfill their task. A good reminder that though the road is not easy, it is under His watchful care.
APPLICATION:
Too often I worry about the potential pitfalls and dangers of living out my faith, of sharing the full message of this new life. Is my hesitation and lack of boldness for the Lord the reason that I do not see great manifestations of the Lord’s power through me, and great evidences of the Lord’s wonderful provision and protection along the way?
PRAYER:
Lord, light the fire of faith in my heart, grant me the boldness to testify to You, and may I see the evidence of Your power at work in and through me, that others may know that You are Lord. Amen.
In this passage I certainly do once again see the power of the Gospel – the healing ministry of the Gospel. And that Gospel must be proclaimed to all in all kinds of ‘weather.’ The apostles were certanly not ashamed of that Gospel. God’s Spirit was present at all times. Inspite of the persecution and opposition of the religious leaders of their day, the apostles had the eyes and ears to do God’s work because they were in tune with His Word.
Help me Lord to proclaim the Gospel with boldness. Speak to me Lord that I may speak Your Words to all who hear. Use me as Your instrument of peace wherever I am planted.
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
in living echoes of thy tone;
as thou has sought, so let me seek
thine erring children lost and lone.