Read
When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put [Peter and the other apostles] to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin:
“Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
(Acts 5: 33-39)
Think
There’s so much encouragement here for followers of Jesus who are struggling. Struggling to believe that not just a handful, but many might be saved here in Great Yarmouth and beyond. Struggling to believe that you might have a part to play in all of that. Struggling to keep your head above water during this whole crooked season, whether money is tight or you might lose your job, whether you’re lonely or battling with physical or mental health.
Listen to what Gamaliel says. If our activity is of human origin – if it’s all just some ‘good idea’ we’ve cooked up – then it will ultimately fail. But if it is from God, nothing can stop us, and no-one can stop him coming through on what he’s promised. Promises to build his church. Even during a pandemic? Even during a pandemic (Matthew 16:18). Promises to meet your needs – physical, emotional, mental, spiritual – out of the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Some of the apostles are whipped, but rejoice that they’ve suffered for the sake of the God whose plans for rescue and reconciliation and restoration cannot be stopped. Most of them were killed for what they believed and declared – yet the church has gone on being built from that day to this. Take heart brothers and sisters, there is no stopping our God.
Pray
Father God, thank you for all your promises, thank you that you are truly on the throne and on top of all things. Nothing takes you by surprise, no-one can outwit you or overpower you.
We face many challenges, but give us fresh faith and encouragement today that if what we’re doing as a church is from you, then it will be fruitful – people will be saved, we will be safe in your hands, and you will build your church here in Great Yarmouth and to the ends of the earth.
Amen
