NO MATTER WHAT…

A very interesting incident is recorded from the earliest days of the Church in Jerusalem in Acts 3:1-4:31. Peter and John go to the temple, heal the blind man, then address the large crowd that gathered to witness this miracle. They promptly get arrested and questioned, by the religious heads, and their council. Since they could not implicate them, nor could they find anything punishable; and also, the crowds were were with Peter and John; they simply warn the apostles of serious consequences, if they continue to preach Jesus, and let them go.

The response of Peter and John, and the subsequent prayer of the Church in Jerusalem, is a shining example for us, even today, as to, how to face and handle restrictive situations, and the consequence of persecution.
– Peter and John trusted God firmly – Acts 3:6; 4:19-20.
– They both chose to walk with the LORD, instead of obeying the religious heads – Acts 4:8-12.
– They were gently and calm in their responses – Acts 4:19-20.
– They prayed to God for boldness to continue to be His witnesses – Acts 4:23-31.

– “18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard…23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them…29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness…31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” – Acts 4:18-20; 23-24; 29; 31.

It is good to note that they did not go to the local leaders that they knew. The apostles, and the early Church, did not lobby, to evade any consequences for their faith in Jesus of Nazareth; nor did they petition any lawful systems of grievance redressal for their security and disposal of justice. Though nothing wrong in doing so, but the apostles chose to take their problems to God, and wait upon Him to help and guide them.

A lesson for us, even this day, as we face obstacles and problems, because of our faith in the LORD Jesus Christ, and our walk in His righteous ways. Let us learn to trust God; seek Him for help; and continue to walk in His ways, NO MATTER WHAT… Even so, the LORD help us.