SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 4:18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
OBSERVATION: A crippled man had been healed and Peter and John were giving all the glory to Jesus. Many people were responding to their preaching and the Jewish religious leaders did not like it. They called them in and commanded them not to “speak or teach” in the name of Jesus.
But for Peter and John, Jesus was the best thing that had ever happened to them! They had even seen Him crucified and then seen Him after the resurrection! Jesus had promised to send the Holy Spirit and they had received that promise. Now the Holy Spirit was moving through them in the same way He moved through Jesus!
What was demanded of them was totally illogical!!! How could they not talk about Jesus! How could they not give Him credit for what was done in His name!
APPLICATION: When we realize that our sins are forgiven, and Jesus through His Holy Spirit now lives in us—how can we not tell others. The joy and peace of His Presence floods our being. Even if we do not use words, they will see it on our face or in our reactions to what happens around us. They begin to ask what has happened. They see the change.
Like Peter and John, we cannot help declaring, by word and by deed, the wonderful things that God has done for us!
PRAYER: Lord, let others see and hear what you have done for me. May my praise overflow from my heart. May my actions show that you are my Lord and ruling my life. May your peace and joy be evidence of your Presence. Amen
Pastor Leon
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