We Must Obey God, not Humans

Faith in Action

A Living Faith in God

A Bold Faith

Acts 5:27-32 The Message

27-28 Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. The Chief Priest said, “Didn’t we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus’ name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man.”
29-32 Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail.”

For Reflection

We are often confronted by the question, "in whom do you trust?"  Easy to roll from your lips; more challenging to practice.

Peter and the apostles answer the question.  More importantly, they responded authoritatively and in the spirit of humility.  A more belligerent approach would have incited a violent, riotous response from supporters. 

The Sanhedrin feared a violent reaction from the people.  However, because of the Apostles' non-violent rational response, the Sanhedrin could not find a legitimate reason for an arrest for violations of the law.

Each day, we face the question, "Who do you obey, God or humankind?"  We must answer in a way that affirms God's plan for us.

Pray

Pray for the courage to obey God's will. Pray so that you can respond to everyday challenges in ways that honor God.

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