Acts 5:36-41
But one of the council members stood
up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God’s Law who was
honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a
short time, then said, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to
these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to
be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed,
his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the
time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a
following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were
scattered to the four winds.
“So I am telling you: Hands off
these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human,
it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do
about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!”
That
convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a
thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus’ name and sent
them off.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
A friend shared a “Facebook
memory” of a beautiful picture of his house, taken during one of our
infrequent winter snowfalls back in 2010. The caption read, “This
weather is awful, I'll be so glad when it warms up!” Our forecast for
the coming week includes actual temperatures of 100 degrees and up…with
heat indexes in the 100+-degree range! I laughingly replied to my
friend, “Be careful what we wish for…right?”
In the case of this
passage from Acts 5, you have to know a little back story to fully grasp
its importance. I encourage you to go back and read the previous
verses and see for yourself how the Apostles were jailed for preaching
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And yet, an angel came and released them,
the Apostles returned to the temple to preach – and people listened.
The authorities were furious and wanted to punish the Apostles for this.
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel suggested that these men think about all
of this and not jump to a hasty conclusion.
Two things in
particular resonate with me about this passage…1) Gamaliel’s suggestion
that …“If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart,
but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you
better not be found fighting against God!” and 2) the notation that the
Apostles were whipped and sent packing.
There are a lot of times
when we try to take matters into our own hands rather than wait for God
to work. As Gamaliel pointed out with a couple of examples, we
sometimes make a royal mess of things! We would be better served to
stop, look, listen…and proceed prayerfully. Often, it would be best if
we did nothing and gave God the time and space to work. I know this
goes against the nature of many of us…but as this passage points out,
“fighting against God is never a good idea.”
The other point has
to do with the punishment of the Apostles. If God could send an angel
to bust them out of jail, He could certainly have spared them the
whipping and exile. But there are times when God allows our faith to be
tested. He may let us endure the displeasure – and unkind remarks and
treatment – from others. He may not make every single person our friend
and ally. God wants us to rely on HIM…not others…and He never wants us
to become smug and arrogant. So sometimes, God challenges our strength
and resolve by allowing us to endure some discomfort. But He NEVER
deserts us!
This hit home with me today as I thought of some of
the unkind – and downright hateful – things that are being said and
posted in the heat of world events…particularly this presidential
election season. I reminded myself that I pray about these matters…but I
don’t always hand them off to God like I should. I also noted that not
everyone will agree with me, like me – or treat me kindly…and that’s
okay. As long as I am making every effort to operate within the will of
God…to listen for His voice - and follow His lead – He will bless my
efforts in the end, and all will be well.
“Be careful what you
wish for” is a good motto for all of us…with regard to everything from
the weather to politics to how we treat others in the name of Jesus and
represent His message. We must quit telling God how to handle things and
allow Him to implement His plans. And we must be willing to be
His agent - however and wherever He places us. I’m ready to go all in
with this...what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label unconditional discipleship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unconditional discipleship. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 19, 2014
Acts 5:15-16
Sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow would fall across some of them as he went by! And crowds came in from the Jerusalem suburbs, bringing their sick folk and those possessed by demons; and every one of them was healed.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning on ABC’s The View, I watched Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal present a tribute to their dear friend, Robin Williams, who left this earth two months ago. Essentially, both comics described a person who “lit up a room” when he entered. Just the mention of the name - “Robin Williams” – evokes memories of hilarious routines, a favorite movie or television episode, “Nanu! Nanu!”, and more. I am sure you have your favorites...but it’s safe to assume that when you hear Robin Williams’ name, you can’t help but smile. His effect on people was like that of a healing balm.
Greg and I learned yesterday that a childhood friend of ours succumbed to cancer. Sherman was something of our own personal “Robin Williams”. He entered the doorway telling a hilarious story, and he left everyone smiling – and sometimes shaking their heads in the context of “what just happened?!” We can’t help but smile when we hear Sherman’s name. Just the thought of our sweet friend makes us happy - even in his passing.
Here’s how this passage about healing relates to the recollections of these two men...we can easily understand how the thought of a brilliant, witty comedian or friend is enough to make us smile. But we cannot comprehend how the “passing shadow” of one of Christ’s disciples could heal the sick and possessed. We cannot fathom being so filled with Jesus that His healing power flows through us to the point that even our walking past someone who is sick or in need could result in their healing. Furthermore, we can’t imagine a faith so strong that we would believe that falling underneath the shadow of such an anointed person could result in making us well.
But this is exactly what happened.
What does this all mean for us? Are we to begin seeking anointed healers – or those who claim to be – and believing in their healing powers as agents of Jesus? Are we to seek this power in our own lives? I don’t believe that we will physically become able to heal the sick in Jesus’ name – although some would claim otherwise. For me, this passage says two things: 1) do not underestimate Jesus’ ability and desire to use you as His disciple – in whatever way He sees fit; and 2) grow your faith in Christ’s “healing power” over your own life. In other words, be ready and willing to reach out to others in Jesus’ name - wherever and whenever He sends you. Trust in a God who is so powerful that His healing power can flow through the shadow of a mere mortal and restore another – if He so desires.
Live in such a way that the mention of your name causes others to conjure a mental image of Jesus Christ and His love and care. We can’t BE Jesus...but we can be more like Him! And we can be servants that honor and glorify His name in all that we do. Recognize the power of even a smile delivered to a stranger by someone whose heart is filled with Jesus.
I thank God for the joy that was Robin Williams and our friend Sherman...for the happiness and brightness they brought to the lives of so many. You can cast a “shadow” of the love of Christ over others...you really can - if you are closely attuned to His word and will for your life. You can be the “healing balm” that brightens another person’s day and “soothes their soul” – if not their body. Time’s a wastin’! None of us is promised tomorrow, so we need to get started! Learn to recognize Jesus’ power and presence in your own life...discover how – and where – He wants you to represent His love and care...and go “light up a room” in His name!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow would fall across some of them as he went by! And crowds came in from the Jerusalem suburbs, bringing their sick folk and those possessed by demons; and every one of them was healed.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning on ABC’s The View, I watched Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal present a tribute to their dear friend, Robin Williams, who left this earth two months ago. Essentially, both comics described a person who “lit up a room” when he entered. Just the mention of the name - “Robin Williams” – evokes memories of hilarious routines, a favorite movie or television episode, “Nanu! Nanu!”, and more. I am sure you have your favorites...but it’s safe to assume that when you hear Robin Williams’ name, you can’t help but smile. His effect on people was like that of a healing balm.
Greg and I learned yesterday that a childhood friend of ours succumbed to cancer. Sherman was something of our own personal “Robin Williams”. He entered the doorway telling a hilarious story, and he left everyone smiling – and sometimes shaking their heads in the context of “what just happened?!” We can’t help but smile when we hear Sherman’s name. Just the thought of our sweet friend makes us happy - even in his passing.
Here’s how this passage about healing relates to the recollections of these two men...we can easily understand how the thought of a brilliant, witty comedian or friend is enough to make us smile. But we cannot comprehend how the “passing shadow” of one of Christ’s disciples could heal the sick and possessed. We cannot fathom being so filled with Jesus that His healing power flows through us to the point that even our walking past someone who is sick or in need could result in their healing. Furthermore, we can’t imagine a faith so strong that we would believe that falling underneath the shadow of such an anointed person could result in making us well.
But this is exactly what happened.
What does this all mean for us? Are we to begin seeking anointed healers – or those who claim to be – and believing in their healing powers as agents of Jesus? Are we to seek this power in our own lives? I don’t believe that we will physically become able to heal the sick in Jesus’ name – although some would claim otherwise. For me, this passage says two things: 1) do not underestimate Jesus’ ability and desire to use you as His disciple – in whatever way He sees fit; and 2) grow your faith in Christ’s “healing power” over your own life. In other words, be ready and willing to reach out to others in Jesus’ name - wherever and whenever He sends you. Trust in a God who is so powerful that His healing power can flow through the shadow of a mere mortal and restore another – if He so desires.
Live in such a way that the mention of your name causes others to conjure a mental image of Jesus Christ and His love and care. We can’t BE Jesus...but we can be more like Him! And we can be servants that honor and glorify His name in all that we do. Recognize the power of even a smile delivered to a stranger by someone whose heart is filled with Jesus.
I thank God for the joy that was Robin Williams and our friend Sherman...for the happiness and brightness they brought to the lives of so many. You can cast a “shadow” of the love of Christ over others...you really can - if you are closely attuned to His word and will for your life. You can be the “healing balm” that brightens another person’s day and “soothes their soul” – if not their body. Time’s a wastin’! None of us is promised tomorrow, so we need to get started! Learn to recognize Jesus’ power and presence in your own life...discover how – and where – He wants you to represent His love and care...and go “light up a room” in His name!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 28, 2013
Matthew 8:21
Another disciple said to Jesus, “Lord, let me wait till I bury my father.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, a good friend kept encouraging me to attend a Walk to Emmaus. I kept making excuses. I couldn’t make the dates work with my schedule… it just wasn’t the right time in my life… I would go someday, when everything fell into place. The truth is…I thought I had a few things I needed to fix before I went. I needed to work on a few things… my attitudes… my prayer life and how I communicated with God, and more. THEN, I would go. Finally, my excuses just seemed to grow weak. My friend didn’t badger me… but he kept gently asking… “Are you ready? There’s room on this next Walk! There’s a Walk in a couple of months. I’ll sponsor you. You deserve this!” DESERVE? Really?! I couldn’t imagine that I deserved this 72-hour “retreat,” but I agreed to go. My friend and his wife drove me to the campus where the Walk was taking place. And there, I learned just how ridiculous all of my excuses had been.
On my Walk to Emmaus, I learned that we don’t need to “fix” anything on our own – we just need to follow God. And we don’t need to keep him waiting. If you are a young person reading this, I understand… I get you! I know you have things you want to do… and you think you have plenty of time to develop an intimate relationship with God later. For now, it’s enough to know that you are a Christian… that God has your back, and that you can call on Him whenever you need Him. If you are an older person, maybe you have let “life” get in the way. You are working too hard… you have family pressures...you are not happy with certain aspects of your life… you feel inadequate and unworthy. You may be complacent or comfortable with your current relationship with God… such as it is. And what I want to tell all of you is that Jesus is calling… don’t put off answering!
This is not a campaign to get you to go on a Walk to Emmaus… although there are plenty of people who would gladly sponsor you, if you chose to do so. And the Walk to Emmaus itself was not a “magic bullet” that changed me… although I do think I am a different kind of Christian as a result of what God revealed to me there. What is important is for each of us to recognize that we have no time to waste! Excuses are simply that… excuses. God doesn’t want us to try to fix ourselves before we come to Him… He’s waiting to do this for us! He doesn’t want us to put off serving until we have the right amount of time, get our hair fixed and buy new clothes, rear our kids, or “sow a few wild oats” and get established in our career, home and relationships. God wants us to come to Him now…to be His disciples… and to go “all in” from the beginning.
We must understand that God doesn’t want perfect people who have all the time in the world. He wants people who are willing to drop everything and say, “Here I am, LORD… where do You want me to serve?” He wants servants who fully trust Him to fix the broken places… those who will serve so faithfully that they would even forego burying their own father to get in line behind Him and follow wherever He leads. Chances are good that you will never be asked to make such a sacrifice… but God needs to know you would be willing to serve Him at a moment’s notice.
I hope that you will take some time and examine your heart. Talk to God and tell Him all of your excuses. Say them out loud, and listen to how silly they probably will sound. Above all, understand that God wants you to follow Him completely, unconditionally… TODAY! He wants you to be willing to sacrifice relationships with your family and friends, your career, your material possessions, your physical safety and well-being… everything. In truth, anyone who humbly and faithfully follows God will never really give up anything. God will restore anything that is taken… He will bless and benefit all who become genuine Disciples. And none of us deserve this… but God will do it anyway.
So what about you… what do you have to do that is keeping you from the business of serving God? What are your excuses? Jesus is calling you to follow Him. Isn’t it time you dropped everything and got in line?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Another disciple said to Jesus, “Lord, let me wait till I bury my father.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, a good friend kept encouraging me to attend a Walk to Emmaus. I kept making excuses. I couldn’t make the dates work with my schedule… it just wasn’t the right time in my life… I would go someday, when everything fell into place. The truth is…I thought I had a few things I needed to fix before I went. I needed to work on a few things… my attitudes… my prayer life and how I communicated with God, and more. THEN, I would go. Finally, my excuses just seemed to grow weak. My friend didn’t badger me… but he kept gently asking… “Are you ready? There’s room on this next Walk! There’s a Walk in a couple of months. I’ll sponsor you. You deserve this!” DESERVE? Really?! I couldn’t imagine that I deserved this 72-hour “retreat,” but I agreed to go. My friend and his wife drove me to the campus where the Walk was taking place. And there, I learned just how ridiculous all of my excuses had been.
On my Walk to Emmaus, I learned that we don’t need to “fix” anything on our own – we just need to follow God. And we don’t need to keep him waiting. If you are a young person reading this, I understand… I get you! I know you have things you want to do… and you think you have plenty of time to develop an intimate relationship with God later. For now, it’s enough to know that you are a Christian… that God has your back, and that you can call on Him whenever you need Him. If you are an older person, maybe you have let “life” get in the way. You are working too hard… you have family pressures...you are not happy with certain aspects of your life… you feel inadequate and unworthy. You may be complacent or comfortable with your current relationship with God… such as it is. And what I want to tell all of you is that Jesus is calling… don’t put off answering!
This is not a campaign to get you to go on a Walk to Emmaus… although there are plenty of people who would gladly sponsor you, if you chose to do so. And the Walk to Emmaus itself was not a “magic bullet” that changed me… although I do think I am a different kind of Christian as a result of what God revealed to me there. What is important is for each of us to recognize that we have no time to waste! Excuses are simply that… excuses. God doesn’t want us to try to fix ourselves before we come to Him… He’s waiting to do this for us! He doesn’t want us to put off serving until we have the right amount of time, get our hair fixed and buy new clothes, rear our kids, or “sow a few wild oats” and get established in our career, home and relationships. God wants us to come to Him now…to be His disciples… and to go “all in” from the beginning.
We must understand that God doesn’t want perfect people who have all the time in the world. He wants people who are willing to drop everything and say, “Here I am, LORD… where do You want me to serve?” He wants servants who fully trust Him to fix the broken places… those who will serve so faithfully that they would even forego burying their own father to get in line behind Him and follow wherever He leads. Chances are good that you will never be asked to make such a sacrifice… but God needs to know you would be willing to serve Him at a moment’s notice.
I hope that you will take some time and examine your heart. Talk to God and tell Him all of your excuses. Say them out loud, and listen to how silly they probably will sound. Above all, understand that God wants you to follow Him completely, unconditionally… TODAY! He wants you to be willing to sacrifice relationships with your family and friends, your career, your material possessions, your physical safety and well-being… everything. In truth, anyone who humbly and faithfully follows God will never really give up anything. God will restore anything that is taken… He will bless and benefit all who become genuine Disciples. And none of us deserve this… but God will do it anyway.
So what about you… what do you have to do that is keeping you from the business of serving God? What are your excuses? Jesus is calling you to follow Him. Isn’t it time you dropped everything and got in line?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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