“The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5.27-32
It must have been extremely awkward for the Jewish religious leaders who put Jesus to death to not only hear of his resurrection and ascension, but now to see his followers carrying on with his work. They who put him to death were hearing the retelling of the story over and over. And so, they ordered the apostles not to teach or preach any more in his name. (To assuage their guilt?)
But we know what happens next. Peter and the rest of the apostles replied, ”We must obey God rather than human beings!” And then Peter reminds me again of what they did — “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead — whom you killed by hanging in on the cross.” Day in and day out, the believers were gaining ground and the accusers were continually confronted with their evil deeds.
I would imagine the tension growing to be somewhat great. These Jesus followers were not going away, in truth, they were growing from dozens to hundreds to thousands. The birth of the Church was happening right before their eyes. And it wasn’t something the Jews could do anything about. Although they might lock up the believers, this would not stop them. The truth was, the power of the Holy Spirit and the conviction upon their hearts was much stronger than any opposition the Christians could face.
Which makes me wonder, how do we hold up in the middle of trial and tribulation? How well do we handle attacks from the enemy, sin and Satan? How are we standing firm in the truth that God is for us and not against us? Are we magnifying our problems or our God? Are we placing emphasis on how difficult the obstacles or how amazing is the Lord?
No matter what we are facing, the Lord is with us if we obey his Word and follow the Christ. If we walk in step with his will for our lives we will find ourselves faithful. We will be like the disciples who when faced with persecution saying, ”It is better to obey God than people!”
“O Lord God, I just attended a wonderful conference, surrounded by incredible leaders of your church, faithful men and women who are seeking your word and relying upon your hope and your grace. Thank you for the gift of community and fellowship. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who resides within all believers. I trust you Lord for your loving kindness. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen