The time after Jesus' resurrection brought many to believe in the cause. Jesus
was so real to them that, "As a result, people brought the sick into the streets
and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on
some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around
Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of
them were healed." (Acts 5:15-16, NIV2)
Still, "No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by
the people." (Acts 5:13, NIV2) Interestingly enough, one could only wonder why?
"Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added
to their number." (Acts 5:14, NIV2)
They believed, but many did not dare to join them. Let's see what caused such a
fear:
"Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of
the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy." (Acts 5:17, NIV2) It's quite clear
that the priests looked at the apostles as their competition. No one would dare
to be in such a position in those days. It would end in certain death!
"They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail." (Acts 5:18, NIV2)
Competition was a no no! Let's eliminate all attempts! It's true that at times
the worldly powers have their own way, still our Father is way above all of
them:
"But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and
brought them out." (Acts 5:19, NIV2) Truly God doesn't honor jealousy. The
apostles had a more urgent task to perform that shimmering in the slimy pot of
the High Priest's jealousy.
"'Go, stand in the temple courts,' he said, 'and tell the people all about this
new life.'" (Acts 5:20, NIV2)
How would we have reacted if we had been in the apostles' shoes? Would we have
gone to the temple courts, the very domain of the jealous High Priest? We could
have easily lost our lives that way!
Still, "At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and
began to teach the people." (Acts 5:21a, NIV2)
Nothing could stop these disciples of the Most High. Jesus was their reality,
and they couldn't help but follow His advice. This is what happens when we fall
heads over heels in love with the One who willingly died on a cross for us. Once
we realize who He is, His reality is way more important to us than all the
treasures of this world, or even all the jealousy on this planet! Nothing can
faze us, as Jesus stands beside us.
We can compare this to what Lieutenant T. A. Nicol MC of the Queen's Own Cameron
Highlanders did, when he found himself on enemy territory in North Africa in
1943. When Tobruk fell into the hands of the Nazis, he was in deep trouble.
Still, his sole reality was the freedom that existed outside of the enemy's
territory. He would do anything to avoid capture and remain free, and he sure
did, with quite unconventional means! He "borrowed" an enemy truck at
knife-point and followed a German staff car through a minefield, ending up at
the British lines. His reality drove him to freedom, literally! Moreover, he was
awarded the Military Cross for his bravery.
The same is true for those of us who follow in Jesus' steps. If Jesus is real to
us, nothing will stop us. His love will motivate us to persist and accomplish
what God has laid on our hearts. Nothing can stop us!
Imagine the face of the High Priest when he found out what happened to his
prisoners. We will find out more about it in our next devotional.
Finding ourselves in a tough bind? Rejoice! It is our opportunity to shine like
Jesus, our reality.
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as
though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate
in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is
revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.