“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.””
— Acts 5:19-20 ESV
Observation:
The Apostles, arrested and thrown into jail for sharing the Gospel and healing in the name of Jesus, found themselves suffering for Jesus they preached. Jail and beating meant to punish and break the Apostles, but it only stirred their hearts more and boosted their faith. They had faith that if it were God’s will for them to remain in jail, they would still be there. However, Jesus does something extraordinary by breaking their chains and setting them free. Yes, the Apostles had suffered for the name of Jesus, but it was to the glory of God and their joy to suffer persecution in Jesus’s Name.
God will never abandon us even though we will go through trials and suffering, especially for Jesus. But when He brings us through that, it will be a testimony that we are blessed to honor and share what Jesus has done. “Speak to all the people the words of this Life.”
Application:
What do I fear when I share the Gospel? Is it rejection and losing that relationship? Yes, sometimes. But hasn’t the Lord commanded us to share the Good News that the King is victorious over sin and death? Why should fear of others keep me from sharing that? God will and has given us all we need to go and share the Gospel. Let our eyes be for eternity and out of love for others. I shall speak the word of this Life to others!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, praise to you for freeing us from sin and death through Jesus. Thank you so much! As you have commanded us to share the Gospel, let us go out boldly to do this! Praise your Name, Jesus! Forgive me for fearing others over sharing the gospel. Please allow me to be bold enough to share Your Victory with others. In Your Name, Jesus! Amen!
