“His followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall.” Acts 9:25
With a gentle bump the basket landed on solid ground, and its cargo climbed out. Furious because their best persecutor of Christians had turned into a bold proponent of Christ, the Jews in Damascus wanted Saul dead and “kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him”(Acts 9:24). But friends who loved Jesus and loved Saul “took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall”(Acts 9:25).
The men who secured Saul’s escape didn’t know they were letting down the greatest missionary the world would ever know. They didn’t know that God would use this man to help spread the good news to Europe and beyond (i.e., across the Atlantic to you and me.) They didn’t know that Saul would stand before kings and queens testifying about the King of Kings. All they knew was that they loved their friend, that Jesus had changed him, and that he needed them to hold the ropes for him—all the way to the ground.
The ones we love need us to do the same. We don’t know the plans God has for them. We don’t often understand His purposes or His ways. But what we’re sure of is that when they need our help, we’ll be there to hold the ropes—in prayer, encouragement, and support. They need to know that when others are against them, we are there for them. They need to know that like Saul’s friends, we are willing to risk our own security for their safety. (A little rope burn is a small price to pay for being part of God’s great plan.) And those we love need for us to keep holding the ropes until we feel God’s gentle bump letting us know that all is well and we can let go.
When life leaves your friends a basket case, don’t drop them or leave them dangling. Hold the ropes and help them down. You never know what God will do when they reach solid ground.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
The Desert Road
“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” Acts 8:26
As Saul headed down the Damascus road, Philip was directed to a desert road. “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza’”(Acts 8:26). Not much about that route sounds delightful—more like hot, dry, and desolate. But whatever the desert road was or was not, it was soon occupied, for at God’s word, Philip went. He was given no explanation—only an instruction. He didn’t know if he was traveling south for his own good or if God had someone else in mind; Philip just knew to go, so he did.
“On his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace queen of the Ethiopians”(Acts 8:27). Somehow this bigwig in the Ethiopian government had heard of God and traveled to the temple in Jerusalem to worship. On his way home, he was reading aloud from the book of Isaiah when Philip ran up to his chariot and asked if he understood the text. “Not by myself,” the man replied, so on invitation, Philip hopped up and helped him out.
Just so happened the man was reading the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 and was wondering if Isaiah was “talking about himself or someone else”(Acts 8:34). Starting with that very scripture, Philip “told him the good news about Jesus”(Acts 8:35). The man believed, and at the first place they found water, was baptized. Incredible. As an Ethiopian, the man was a foreigner. As a eunuch, he was physically disfigured. At the temple, he would be been banned because of both from getting too close to God’s presence, but on the desert road, God sat right beside him as Philip shared the good news. The man had gone to Jerusalem looking for truth, but he found the Jesus on the return trip.
In case you didn’t know (and you’ll want to), after the baptism, God beamed Philip up (literally), and he reappeared several miles away in the town of Azotus, and the eunuch went on down to Ethiopia, filled with joy because he was full of Jesus.
Be willing to walk the desert road—you never know who God wants you to meet along the way.
Be ready to share the good news of Jesus—all Scripture, no matter where you start, points His way.
And remember that if you don’t find what you’re looking for at your destination, God often shows up on the return trip.
As Saul headed down the Damascus road, Philip was directed to a desert road. “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza’”(Acts 8:26). Not much about that route sounds delightful—more like hot, dry, and desolate. But whatever the desert road was or was not, it was soon occupied, for at God’s word, Philip went. He was given no explanation—only an instruction. He didn’t know if he was traveling south for his own good or if God had someone else in mind; Philip just knew to go, so he did.
“On his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace queen of the Ethiopians”(Acts 8:27). Somehow this bigwig in the Ethiopian government had heard of God and traveled to the temple in Jerusalem to worship. On his way home, he was reading aloud from the book of Isaiah when Philip ran up to his chariot and asked if he understood the text. “Not by myself,” the man replied, so on invitation, Philip hopped up and helped him out.
Just so happened the man was reading the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 and was wondering if Isaiah was “talking about himself or someone else”(Acts 8:34). Starting with that very scripture, Philip “told him the good news about Jesus”(Acts 8:35). The man believed, and at the first place they found water, was baptized. Incredible. As an Ethiopian, the man was a foreigner. As a eunuch, he was physically disfigured. At the temple, he would be been banned because of both from getting too close to God’s presence, but on the desert road, God sat right beside him as Philip shared the good news. The man had gone to Jerusalem looking for truth, but he found the Jesus on the return trip.
In case you didn’t know (and you’ll want to), after the baptism, God beamed Philip up (literally), and he reappeared several miles away in the town of Azotus, and the eunuch went on down to Ethiopia, filled with joy because he was full of Jesus.
Be willing to walk the desert road—you never know who God wants you to meet along the way.
Be ready to share the good news of Jesus—all Scripture, no matter where you start, points His way.
And remember that if you don’t find what you’re looking for at your destination, God often shows up on the return trip.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
But to Brother
“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord…has sent me.’” Acts 9:17
Ananias knew trouble was on its way, but he hadn’t planned on looking for it—until God said so. The conversation went something like this:
“Ananias.”
“Yes, Lord.”
“Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a guy named Saul.”
“Saul?!? But, Lord, are you sure? I’ve heard about this guy—he’s been assaulting your people in Jerusalem, and he’s come to Damascus to arrest us too!!”
“Yes, Ananias, I’m sure. I know all about him. I know all he’s done to Me, and I know all he’s going to do for Me. You just go!!”
So “Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord…has sent me’”(Acts 9:17). The distance between “But, Lord” and “Brother Saul” may have only been a few blocks, but in that short space, Ananias traveled a long way. He left prejudice and arrived at acceptance. He journeyed from crippling fear to overcoming faith. And his heart made room for an enemy to become family. “Brother Saul.”
Ananias’ visit brought comfort and connection to a man whose world had been turned upside down by Jesus. For three days, Saul had eaten nothing, drank nothing, and seen nothing—for God’s light had left him blind. All he had done was pray and wait. “Go into the city, and you will be told what to do”(Acts 9:6). But suddenly, a knock at the door, the touch of two hands, and Spirit-filled words brought hope and life to Saul’s wondering heart. “Placing his hands on Saul, [Ananias] said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit’”(Acts 9:17). At that very moment, “something like scales” fell from Saul’s eyes restoring his sight. “He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength”(Acts 9:18).
God could have transformed Saul without any help from Ananias, but how exciting that He uses His own to encourage and receive those who believe. And, along the way, God changes both of us in the process. Don’t let someone’s past cause you to be unsure of their salvation. You may have heard much about them, but all they’ve done without Christ can’t compare to what they will do with Christ. “You just go!!”
Make the journey from “But” to “Brother” and be amazed at what Jesus does.
Ananias knew trouble was on its way, but he hadn’t planned on looking for it—until God said so. The conversation went something like this:
“Ananias.”
“Yes, Lord.”
“Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a guy named Saul.”
“Saul?!? But, Lord, are you sure? I’ve heard about this guy—he’s been assaulting your people in Jerusalem, and he’s come to Damascus to arrest us too!!”
“Yes, Ananias, I’m sure. I know all about him. I know all he’s done to Me, and I know all he’s going to do for Me. You just go!!”
So “Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord…has sent me’”(Acts 9:17). The distance between “But, Lord” and “Brother Saul” may have only been a few blocks, but in that short space, Ananias traveled a long way. He left prejudice and arrived at acceptance. He journeyed from crippling fear to overcoming faith. And his heart made room for an enemy to become family. “Brother Saul.”
Ananias’ visit brought comfort and connection to a man whose world had been turned upside down by Jesus. For three days, Saul had eaten nothing, drank nothing, and seen nothing—for God’s light had left him blind. All he had done was pray and wait. “Go into the city, and you will be told what to do”(Acts 9:6). But suddenly, a knock at the door, the touch of two hands, and Spirit-filled words brought hope and life to Saul’s wondering heart. “Placing his hands on Saul, [Ananias] said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit’”(Acts 9:17). At that very moment, “something like scales” fell from Saul’s eyes restoring his sight. “He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength”(Acts 9:18).
God could have transformed Saul without any help from Ananias, but how exciting that He uses His own to encourage and receive those who believe. And, along the way, God changes both of us in the process. Don’t let someone’s past cause you to be unsure of their salvation. You may have heard much about them, but all they’ve done without Christ can’t compare to what they will do with Christ. “You just go!!”
Make the journey from “But” to “Brother” and be amazed at what Jesus does.
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Right Road
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” Acts 9:3
As “godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him”(Acts 8:2), a young man named Saul smirked with satisfaction and determination. One down. Many to go. In self-righteous rage, he “began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison”(Acts 8:3). Though “all except the apostles were scattered” throughout the region(Acts 8:1), Saul “was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples(Acts 9:1) and decided to chase down believers who had fled for their lives. Armed with permission letters from the high priest, he headed to Damascus “so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem(Acts 9:2).
God let him almost get there. Saul had traveled nearly 135 miles before his journey was interrupted right outside the city limits. Though the noontime sun was shining brightly, a flash of heavenly light knocked him to the ground, and Saul heard the one voice he thought would never speak again.
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?”
“I am Jesus.”
Jesus. Saul had been sure the resurrection wasn’t true, but dead men don’t talk. Jesus. Saul had been “convinced that he ought to do all that was possible to oppose this name”(Acts 26:9), but now Jesus was calling his. Jesus. The One Stephen had seen “standing at the right hand of God”(Acts 7:56) was standing right before him. And Saul knew he would never be the same.
Our journey in life might be different, but somewhere along the broken road, if you are truly His, God stopped you in your tracks to get you on the right track. It might not have taken a blinding light to open your eyes, but it took costly grace to open your heart.
Remember your Damascus road today and be thankful.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Good In The Bad
“They all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.” Acts 7:58
Why do bad things happen to good people? The question seems solid at first but soon leads to the debate about what constitutes “good.” Perhaps a question we think more but ask less is, “Why do bad things happen to God’s people?” Can’t a Deity with all knowledge and all power protect His own? And, since He can, why wouldn’t He? I don’t dare claim to have the complete answer, but perhaps a story will help us start to understand.
“Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people”(Acts 6:8). However, some Jews weren’t happy that Jesus was being acclaimed, and they “began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke”(Acts 6:10). Unable to win the war of words, they resorted to a ruse and framed Stephen with blasphemy.
Standing before the court with a face “like that of an angel”(Acts 6:15), Stephen delivered a brilliant sermon as his defense. Beginning with Abraham, he traced God’s presence and purpose through Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon, reminding his audience of God’s desire for relationship and of their ancestors’ repeated rebellion. His history lesson was followed by a harsh indictment, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers…They killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him”(Acts 7:51-53). As the men gnashed their teeth in fury, Stephen looked to heaven and saw God’s glory. “Look,” he exclaimed. “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God”(Acts 7:56). With ears covered and mouths yelling to drown out Stephen’s words, they grabbed him, dragged him, and stoned him. As the rocks rained down, Stephen cries echoed the grace of his Lord—“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Do not hold this sin against them”(Acts 8:59-60). And then he died.
Why? Why such a brutal end to one who had been so bold? Why such violence against a man described as “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”? And the story seems to only get worse. “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria”(Acts 8:1).
Yes, those places sound familiar. Jesus Himself had spoken of them first. “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”(Acts 1:8). His followers had “filled Jerusalem with their teaching”(Acts 5:28), but why leave when life was good? God wanted them to go and tell, but since they wouldn’t make the move unless they were made to, He allowed life to get so bad that they packed their bags. And He started the spread with Stephen.
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went”(Acts 8:4). As a result of Stephen’s death, the gospel was taken to places that would never have heard. Philip shared in Samaria(Acts 8:5). Others “who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch…telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed”(Acts 11:19-21).
God’s purpose for Stephen started in life and continued in death. Stones didn’t stop what God was doing but instead became a way of spreading His grace and good news. Tough times, troubles, and trials might take us down or take us out, but they can never take us away from Him. At the end of the day, Stephen was with his Lord in heaven, and God was with His people on earth—working out His plan and His purpose even through their pain.
On this side of forever, we rarely know the reasons for the rocks, but we can trust that God is up to something big and good—even in the bad. As our “whys” are absorbed into who God is and what He is doing, Jesus becomes the only answer we need.
Why do bad things happen to good people? The question seems solid at first but soon leads to the debate about what constitutes “good.” Perhaps a question we think more but ask less is, “Why do bad things happen to God’s people?” Can’t a Deity with all knowledge and all power protect His own? And, since He can, why wouldn’t He? I don’t dare claim to have the complete answer, but perhaps a story will help us start to understand.
“Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people”(Acts 6:8). However, some Jews weren’t happy that Jesus was being acclaimed, and they “began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke”(Acts 6:10). Unable to win the war of words, they resorted to a ruse and framed Stephen with blasphemy.
Standing before the court with a face “like that of an angel”(Acts 6:15), Stephen delivered a brilliant sermon as his defense. Beginning with Abraham, he traced God’s presence and purpose through Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon, reminding his audience of God’s desire for relationship and of their ancestors’ repeated rebellion. His history lesson was followed by a harsh indictment, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers…They killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him”(Acts 7:51-53). As the men gnashed their teeth in fury, Stephen looked to heaven and saw God’s glory. “Look,” he exclaimed. “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God”(Acts 7:56). With ears covered and mouths yelling to drown out Stephen’s words, they grabbed him, dragged him, and stoned him. As the rocks rained down, Stephen cries echoed the grace of his Lord—“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Do not hold this sin against them”(Acts 8:59-60). And then he died.
Why? Why such a brutal end to one who had been so bold? Why such violence against a man described as “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”? And the story seems to only get worse. “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria”(Acts 8:1).
Yes, those places sound familiar. Jesus Himself had spoken of them first. “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”(Acts 1:8). His followers had “filled Jerusalem with their teaching”(Acts 5:28), but why leave when life was good? God wanted them to go and tell, but since they wouldn’t make the move unless they were made to, He allowed life to get so bad that they packed their bags. And He started the spread with Stephen.
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went”(Acts 8:4). As a result of Stephen’s death, the gospel was taken to places that would never have heard. Philip shared in Samaria(Acts 8:5). Others “who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch…telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed”(Acts 11:19-21).
God’s purpose for Stephen started in life and continued in death. Stones didn’t stop what God was doing but instead became a way of spreading His grace and good news. Tough times, troubles, and trials might take us down or take us out, but they can never take us away from Him. At the end of the day, Stephen was with his Lord in heaven, and God was with His people on earth—working out His plan and His purpose even through their pain.
On this side of forever, we rarely know the reasons for the rocks, but we can trust that God is up to something big and good—even in the bad. As our “whys” are absorbed into who God is and what He is doing, Jesus becomes the only answer we need.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Filled Up
“They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 6:5
What five things are you most full of? The list of possibilities is lengthy, but since what’s inside is what splashes out, we need to make sure we’ve got a good mix. The life of Stephen provides a compelling and convincing litmus test.
As the number of Christ-followers increased, the apostles realized they couldn’t oversee both the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation, so they recommended that seven men be chosen to care for the widows. Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”(Acts 6:5) was first on the list. To be eligible, one had to be “full of the Spirit and of wisdom”(Acts 6:3), so within two verses, we’ve discovered three ingredients—God’s Spirit, wisdom, and faith. But there’s always room for more good. Acts 6:8 tells us that “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people,” and our “Fab 5” is complete—God’s Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. These five things filled Stephen’s life and spilled out onto those around him through his words, actions, and attitudes.
Lest you think this list is currently unattainable, listen up. When you believed the good news of Jesus, God gave you His Spirit (Eph. 1:13) to guide you, teach you, and help you. Wisdom is yours in Christ(1 Cor. 1:30) and is there for the asking(James 1:5). God’s gift of faith which enabled you to receive His life(Eph. 2:8) grows through knowing His Word(Rom. 10:17) and by going through trials(1 Pet. 1:7). God grants you grace and “more grace”(James 4:6), and you find grace for your needs when you pray(Heb. 4:16). And God’s “incomparably great power”(Eph. 1:19) works in you(Eph. 3:20) and through you(2 Pet. 1:3) to shield you, strengthen you, and save you. God’s Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. All yours. All available. All the time.
Our lives are full of many things, but we are only fulfilled when we are filled with God things.
What are you full of?
What five things are you most full of? The list of possibilities is lengthy, but since what’s inside is what splashes out, we need to make sure we’ve got a good mix. The life of Stephen provides a compelling and convincing litmus test.
As the number of Christ-followers increased, the apostles realized they couldn’t oversee both the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation, so they recommended that seven men be chosen to care for the widows. Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”(Acts 6:5) was first on the list. To be eligible, one had to be “full of the Spirit and of wisdom”(Acts 6:3), so within two verses, we’ve discovered three ingredients—God’s Spirit, wisdom, and faith. But there’s always room for more good. Acts 6:8 tells us that “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people,” and our “Fab 5” is complete—God’s Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. These five things filled Stephen’s life and spilled out onto those around him through his words, actions, and attitudes.
Lest you think this list is currently unattainable, listen up. When you believed the good news of Jesus, God gave you His Spirit (Eph. 1:13) to guide you, teach you, and help you. Wisdom is yours in Christ(1 Cor. 1:30) and is there for the asking(James 1:5). God’s gift of faith which enabled you to receive His life(Eph. 2:8) grows through knowing His Word(Rom. 10:17) and by going through trials(1 Pet. 1:7). God grants you grace and “more grace”(James 4:6), and you find grace for your needs when you pray(Heb. 4:16). And God’s “incomparably great power”(Eph. 1:19) works in you(Eph. 3:20) and through you(2 Pet. 1:3) to shield you, strengthen you, and save you. God’s Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. All yours. All available. All the time.
Our lives are full of many things, but we are only fulfilled when we are filled with God things.
What are you full of?
Friday, November 4, 2011
Unstoppable
“If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God.” Acts 5:39
Why do some people want to stop a good thing? Reasons abound, but the short list is anger, fear, and envy. When things go well for one, resentment emerges in another, leading to rash actions and real trouble. The early church learned this early on. Jealous of the apostles’ popularity, the high priest and his cronies threw them into jail, but a nocturnal angel opened their cell and commanded them to open their mouths. “Go, stand in the temple courts, and tell the people the full message of this new life”(Acts 5:20). At sunrise, they showed up and spoke up.
Meanwhile, back at the court, the Sanhedrin was called into session and “sent to jail for the apostles”(Acts 5:21). Confounded officers found vigilant guards and locked doors but no disciples. Their whereabouts left the elders puzzled until a report arrived that the apostles were back at it—teaching in the temple. Guards were sent to get them, and the judge announced the charge: disobedience for declaring the name of Jesus. “You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching”(Acts 5:28) was his incredible accusation. “Not sorry and won’t stop,” was the apostles’ reply. “We must obey God rather than men”(Acts 5:29).
Furious, the Sanhedrin wanted those words to be their final answer—forever—but a wise teacher named Gamaliel stood up and spoke truth. “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you do to these men. This Jesus isn’t the first Jew to garner a following and get crowds excited. Two guys named Theudas and Judas the Galilean are not-so-distant examples, but when they died, so did their movements. So, here’s my advice: Drop it and do nothing. If this is something man made up, it won’t make it, “but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God”(Acts 5:39).
Unwilling to let apostles’ leave unpunished, the leaders had them flogged, but their penalty backfired, for the apostles turned the pain into praise and “left the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ”(Acts 5:41-42).
Anger and envy might put the brakes on a good thing—but not on a God thing. The “full message of this new life” cannot be contained, restrained, or defeated. Neither locked doors nor lashed backs can stop what God has started. He is up to something bigger and better than we could ever imagine, so rejoice that He counts you worthy to share His news and suffer for His name, and fill where you are with words of who He is—the all-powerful, unstoppable God of salvation.
Why do some people want to stop a good thing? Reasons abound, but the short list is anger, fear, and envy. When things go well for one, resentment emerges in another, leading to rash actions and real trouble. The early church learned this early on. Jealous of the apostles’ popularity, the high priest and his cronies threw them into jail, but a nocturnal angel opened their cell and commanded them to open their mouths. “Go, stand in the temple courts, and tell the people the full message of this new life”(Acts 5:20). At sunrise, they showed up and spoke up.
Meanwhile, back at the court, the Sanhedrin was called into session and “sent to jail for the apostles”(Acts 5:21). Confounded officers found vigilant guards and locked doors but no disciples. Their whereabouts left the elders puzzled until a report arrived that the apostles were back at it—teaching in the temple. Guards were sent to get them, and the judge announced the charge: disobedience for declaring the name of Jesus. “You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching”(Acts 5:28) was his incredible accusation. “Not sorry and won’t stop,” was the apostles’ reply. “We must obey God rather than men”(Acts 5:29).
Furious, the Sanhedrin wanted those words to be their final answer—forever—but a wise teacher named Gamaliel stood up and spoke truth. “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you do to these men. This Jesus isn’t the first Jew to garner a following and get crowds excited. Two guys named Theudas and Judas the Galilean are not-so-distant examples, but when they died, so did their movements. So, here’s my advice: Drop it and do nothing. If this is something man made up, it won’t make it, “but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God”(Acts 5:39).
Unwilling to let apostles’ leave unpunished, the leaders had them flogged, but their penalty backfired, for the apostles turned the pain into praise and “left the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ”(Acts 5:41-42).
Anger and envy might put the brakes on a good thing—but not on a God thing. The “full message of this new life” cannot be contained, restrained, or defeated. Neither locked doors nor lashed backs can stop what God has started. He is up to something bigger and better than we could ever imagine, so rejoice that He counts you worthy to share His news and suffer for His name, and fill where you are with words of who He is—the all-powerful, unstoppable God of salvation.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Shadowlands
“People brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” Acts 5:15
Cool. Way cool. What else is there to say? Did you read that verse? Read it again. “People brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” Whoever heard of such a thing? A shadow bringing healing to the sick. People so full of power that everywhere any part of them went—even their silhouette—lives were dramatically altered. Sounds bizarre, but such had been foretold. “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father”(John 14:12-13). Before He left for heaven, Jesus left word on earth that bigger and better miracles than the ones He had performed would be taking place—not so His followers would have a following, but so His Father would get the glory.
Peter hadn’t been born with a super-shadow, and people knew that. They also knew he “had been with Jesus”(Acts 4:13) and that the good he did was done in the name of Jesus. When someone cheered for Peter, he turned the applause to God. And there was lots of clapping. “Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed”(Acts 5:16).
God heals in many ways—sometimes through words, sometimes through touch. Here His power flowed through Peter’s shadow. A few chapters ahead we find that “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them”( Acts 19:12). God can do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, however He wants. Our part is to be so filled with Him that His power overflows from us into the lives of others—altering their souls, spirits, and, if God so desires, even their bodies.
God works through words that can be heard. Touches that can be felt. Hankies that can be handled. And shadows that can be seen.
Cool. Way cool.
Cool. Way cool. What else is there to say? Did you read that verse? Read it again. “People brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” Whoever heard of such a thing? A shadow bringing healing to the sick. People so full of power that everywhere any part of them went—even their silhouette—lives were dramatically altered. Sounds bizarre, but such had been foretold. “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father”(John 14:12-13). Before He left for heaven, Jesus left word on earth that bigger and better miracles than the ones He had performed would be taking place—not so His followers would have a following, but so His Father would get the glory.
Peter hadn’t been born with a super-shadow, and people knew that. They also knew he “had been with Jesus”(Acts 4:13) and that the good he did was done in the name of Jesus. When someone cheered for Peter, he turned the applause to God. And there was lots of clapping. “Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed”(Acts 5:16).
God heals in many ways—sometimes through words, sometimes through touch. Here His power flowed through Peter’s shadow. A few chapters ahead we find that “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them”( Acts 19:12). God can do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, however He wants. Our part is to be so filled with Him that His power overflows from us into the lives of others—altering their souls, spirits, and, if God so desires, even their bodies.
God works through words that can be heard. Touches that can be felt. Hankies that can be handled. And shadows that can be seen.
Cool. Way cool.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)