Scripture:
Acts 4:18-22 NKJV
[18] So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. [20] For we can not but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” [21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. [22] For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
Observation:
Some of the most existing stories come from the Book of Acts. We get to see the church coming together, the promised Holy Spirit delivered, believers all in one accord, people being healed, and Peter and John standing up to the religious leaders of that time as they try to maintain the illusion of control. I’m backing up just a little bit to Acts chapter 3 so we can get a better understanding of what’s really going on. Peter and John were going to the temple to pray when a man who had been lame from birth asked them for money. Peter saw through what the man thought he needed and introduced him to the power of the Holy Spirit through the name of Jesus Christ. Grabbing him by the hand and pulling him to his feet as GOD healed his legs in an instant. The word got around about this pretty quickly, and the religious leaders didn’t want to lose the attention of the people. So they pulled Peter and John into the courtroom for questioning. To find out how this happened. After a long grueling discussion, not only with Peter and John but with the man’s parents as well, they decided to demand that they never speak or teach about the name of Jesus again. That brings us to verse 19 of chapter 4, where Peter and John’s answer was the only response that could have been given. Let’s just recap what they said, “whether it is right in the sight of GOD to listen to you more than GOD, you judge. Rolling into verse 20, Peter continues his rebuttal. Explaining how they can’t help but speak about the marvelous things that they saw and were taught by Jesus. The Pharisees had probably never been spoken to pick that, so they were more than likely taken back by it and threatened Peter and John more to try to maintain some kind of control over the people. They had seen the same lame man that had been by that gate day after day get up and walk in the mighty name of Jesus, and they were giving glory to the only way something like that could have happened… GOD HIMSELF, through the power of the Holy Spirit in the mighty name of Jesus, had restored the man’s legs. Now he was running around and dancing… things in which he had never done in his life.
Application:
An encounter with Jesus will absolutely change your life. I know it did mine. When it all happened, I couldn’t help but speak about it. There was no way I could keep quiet. I drove people nuts because I knew how many times and how many different ways I tried to find the kind of freedom I found in a matter of seconds with Jesus. HE lifted the guilt, shame, and fear off of me in an instant, pulling me to my feet and showing me how to not only stand but run jump, and dance as well… all things I had never done before. Now, I have never been pulled into a courtroom over the changes in my life, but I would imagine I would have to respond much like Peter and John. Especially after watching so many after me who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. It’s honestly contagious. It’s kind of like a wildfire. One little spark sets the whole forest ablaze. The thing is, some people don’t understand it, and they don’t want to hear about it. They have even gotten angry and did their best to shut me up. But GOD has given me a voice. HE has told me to speak HIS word. The way it is written. I’m not trying to explain things away as if they are not for today. Because times have changed. HIS word says HE is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. Now, either that statement is true or GOD’S word is not the truth. The church I go to has a core value that says,” We will live like the word of GOD is true.” I don’t know about you, but that is my driving force. I believe GOD’S word is the only thing I can truly trust for directions. I believe it when it says these are the signs that will follow. I believe that list. I have seen things happen right before my own eyes that have blown my mind. Captives are set free from drug addiction, men getting up and walking that had fallen to the floor unresponsive after someone had prayed for them. Absolute miracles. Families are restored, and lives are redeemed in the name of Jesus. All things the bible says will follow those who believe. Well, I believe, and you can’t shut me up about it. The word of GOD says what it says, and I believe it, and that settles it.
Prayer:
Father, this morning, we ask that you write your word on our hearts. That you give us wisdom and boldness. We don’t want to back down from what YOU say. We know that man has confused it and tried to explain it away as if it’s not for today, but your word is the everlasting truth. It just doesn’t change. We want to walk in the kind of boldness that will lay hands on the sick and watch them be healed through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives in the mighty name of Jesus. Casting down the demon of addiction and restoring the mental health of the ones the enemy has taken captive by strong delusions. We are your church. The one that the gates will not prevail against. We expect you to do what your word says. We know that the very same Spirit that rose Christ from the dead lives inside of us. That gives us power and authority, through Christ Jesus. We stand here today knowing that you are GOD and your word is true. You will do what you said. Give us wisdom to know exactly what you want from us and prepare us for obedience to do so. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.