"When Pharisees Attack" June 28 Readings: 2 Chronicles 13-14, Acts 4:1–22, Psalm 78:12–18, Proverbs 16:7–9

Today's Readings - 2 Chronicles 13-14, Acts 4:1–22, Psalm 78:12–18, Proverbs 16:7–9

Devotional - When Pharisees Attack

Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Council to answer for their deeds. What was their crime? It all started in Acts 3 when they found a man who was lame since birth and they healed him.

He had been sitting outside the temple all his life begging alms and the best the Jewish leaders could do for him was perhaps put a couple of coins in his cup from time to time. But along came this uneducated fisherman from Galilee claiming that the Nazarene had risen from the dead and speaking with authority and power. And these country bumpkins didn't put any silver or gold into the man's cup. They did something else - they raised him up.

That was the source of all the anger and resentment. They were the men in charge. Everyone looked up to them and revered them, but their religion was empty, devoid of the truth of God and the Spirit's power. Peter and John had none of their reputation, their money, their power, and influence or their social standing, but they had one thing that the leaders envied. They had power.

That was the unpardonable sin of the Apostles. They were not rebellious or disrespectful. They did not organize opposition or undermine the religious leaders. But in the name of Jesus Christ, they demonstrated the real power of God.

Empty religion can never abide the reality of the power of God working through the disciples of Christ. So, they came against them, arrested them, and tried to pressure them to stop preaching about the resurrected Christ.

In a sinful world such as we live in, following Christ may not bring us popularity. People may be offended, especially when they see the power of God at work within us. They may tell us to stop acting so strange, to go along with everyone else and to fit in with their ways.

But there is no power in that. The work of God is done through those who walk in God's ways and give themselves completely to him. He then performs his acts of power through them in this world. Better to seek the presence and power of the living God than to seek the influence, status, and approval of the world. Generally, you cannot seek both.

Father, forgive me for the way I tend seek the approval and pleasure of people. May I live for you and be a channel of your grace and power. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Do you live your life for the glory and purposes of God or do the opinions of others carry great importance to you?