“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, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.” Acts 4.18-22
Its a fact of life that we speak about those things that matter the most. The inward passions of our hopes and dreams get the most attention and therefore are what comes out of our mouths. (As a moment of reflection, what do you love talking about? What topics consume your heart, mind and thoughts?)
Peter and John were in the thick of the gospel movement. There might have been a time when fishing mattered most. But not at the present. Now it was all about the gospel message of Jesus Christ. He was their focus and desire. Not the idea of building the church — but Jesus himself. And so this is what they spoke, preached, and were consumed.
When the religious leaders returned to the disciples, they ”commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Obviously, this is what they had been doing. Teaching, preaching, healing and offering salvation ”in the name of Jesus.” He was always on their minds. And when told not to speak about Jesus anymore, they said — “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” It other words — it was an impossibility not to talk about Christ.
Do you remember 911? Sept 11, 2001? After that horrendous attacks on the nation, what did everyone talk about for days, weeks and years to follow? We talked about the attack, the lost souls, the impact upon our nation and the terror we felt from the loss of innocent lives. It is still a grievous attack which many continue to mourn and live with every day.
Even though the gospel began two thousand years ago, if we have met and encountered the resurrected Christ, he is all consuming. We are filled with the Holy Spirit and He is what we should talk and think about. Just like Peter and John, we can not help but speak about what we have seen and heard.
Is the name of Jesus on your thoughts? Are you talking about your Savior? Are you spreading hope and love to all you meet? Let his praise me in your mouth and his song upon your lips!
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for allowing us to find hope and strength in your name. You are wonderful and mighty, your ways are grand and you are filled with grace. Help me never to stop talking about you. Telling others about your wondrous deeds and saving grace. Come Holy Spirit and fill me with your power and love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen