Pastor Bob DuPar
June 7, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Kings 2:1-3:3; Acts 5:1-42; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 16:25.

Observation

Ananias & Sapphira were judged not because they kept some of the money for themselves from the sale of their property, but because they lied to God. They represented themselves as giving everything, even when questioned to this regard. And, they both had full knowledge of their deceit.

After the angel released the apostles from jail during the night, he told them to “go, stand in the temple courts, and tell the people the full message of this new life.” I love the phrasing of that. It’s like he’s saying, “Don’t hold back!”

The reason the Jewish authorities had a problem with the disciples’ teaching is found in Acts 5:28, “…you are determined to make us guilty of this man’s (Jesus’) blood.” Gamaliel’s advice in Acts 5:34-39 is wise – especially in 38-39:

“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.”

Finally, Acts 5:42 is both inspiring and challenging, “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”

Application

Sometimes I think we should react less to the things around us and follow Gamaliel’s advice. If something is not of God, it will eventually fail. If it’s of God, it will succeed. I would like to follow the apostles’ example of “never stopping in teaching and preaching the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Prayer

“God, Thank you that You are worthy of all praise and honor. Your children will never be disappointed or ashamed that they have placed their trust in You.”