Acts 5:21-39
Observation: A Pharisee, Gamaliel, who was honored by all the religious leaders of the Sanhedrin, spoke about two different men who were raising up a revolt that had both died. After their deaths, both times, their followers dispersed and it all came to nothing. They were certain this would happen with Jesus having just died not to too long before.
Gamaliel himself said, "if their [apostles] purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God."
The gospel story, without God's sovereign hand protecting and fueling it, would have never made it out of the first century. But it did! It's lasted thousands and thousands of years and spread across the whole world! A simple son of a carpenter, born in a stable, who only spent three years in the public's eye, and taught the most radical teachings that have ever been taught in the history of the world, is still not only being taught and shared but is changing people's lives and bringing healing in the broken areas, hope in the darkest moments, and joy in the midst of sorrow! Not because of something He said or taught, but because of what people saw. A man, coming back to life, after being dead for three days and for forty days following He was seen alive by hundreds of people, and then seeing Him ascend into heaven.
Father,
You are mighty and powerful. No man or spiritual force can stop You. You are great and Your plans cannot be shaken. Your Holy Spirit reveals to those You choose and reveals to us all we need to know. Great are Your Lord and worthy of our praise! Jesus, You endured so much, You sacrificed so much. You are full of love, grace, patience, kindness, and You give hope to the broken world. It's through You and in You that we are called children of God. Because Your Holy Spirit reveals to those You choose and You reveal to each of us all we need to know, who am I to ever think anyone else should be as I am. For you take each of us on a spiritual journey, those that allow themselves to by You, and you reveal different things to different people at different times. Help me see every person as You see them; uniquely created and designed by You and Your pursuit for them. Let me help point people to You in doing this rather than reacting or behaving in a way that will detract them from You. May I never expect anyone to get or agree with what You revealed to me but rather recognize and see all Your revealing to others too. And let that grow my understanding, compassion, patience, gentleness, kindness, selflessness, and make me more like Your Son who "did not come to be served, but to serve."
Amen
About Me
- alana
- I'm a home grown Texas girl. Married 18 years now to the most incredible and godly leader of a man that I have EVER met! And it just keeps getting better! -That's all Christ's doing! We have been blessed with five boys: Jonah (15), Caleb (14), Matthew (12), Nathan (10), and Lander (3). We also have a daughter we adopted from China, Kayli (8). I LOVE being a Mom and am happiest when my whole family is at home working together on a project! I have also been a home educator going on 13 years now to all my children. I've been a Christian for as long as I can remember and am so thankful my Lord woos me to Him everyday even still and that He is patient for me to come to the knowledge of His love, grace, and compassion and am humbled that He calls me to be His light to others.
