I am reading this morning in Acts 5 and find where the apostles of Jesus were arrested, charged, and jailed for their obedience to Him. They were out preaching the gospel, jailed, and then freed, and went right back to preaching the gospel. Their defense, they were following the will of God and would not apologize for it. They even brought forth the treatment of Jesus for doing the same and pointed out His elevation for His actions.
“27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ 29But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.’” — Acts 5:27-32 (ESV)
What a testament for us as followers of Christ to hear how the apostles followed Him regardless of the consequences. They were outspoken and deliberate in their actions. They did not waver from the task of obeying Christ. They were not deterred by the prospect of negative worldly consequences. They were encouraged to and obeyed.
I have to remember that I have a larger purpose in this world than what people are able to see. I have to be willing to do that which is right in the name of Christ regardless of the worldly consequences. I must be repentant for the actions I take that are contrary to the will of God and for His glory. That repentance will lead to a cleared mind and heart for Christ and the work he has for me. In doing so I will be rewarded for the work I do for Him. I must obey.
What work have you done that you may need repentance for? Are you in concert with the will of God in your life for His glory? What if you were to repent for those things contrary to His will and obeyed His will in your life?
Trevor's Thoughts 