Today's Reading: Old Testament: Leviticus 23 - 24
New Testament: Acts 5
Focus Verses: Acts 5:33-39
33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, 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. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
Insight:
It's a stunning fact that the message of Jesus has persisted through the last two thousand years. Gamaliel suggested that the only way the purpose and activity of the apostles could be sustained would be if it were truly a movement and work of God.
Response and Action:
How is it that the claims of Jesus and the widespread acceptance of those claims have persisted for so long? If the Gospel were of human invention, could it persist so well and so long? If there were nothing to those claims and following him produced no real results, wouldn't his followers disperse and nothing come of them? My experience with following Jesus has strengthened my faith in him. The lives and testimonies of so many others encourage me in my faith as well. In a world where so little stands the test of time, the message of Jesus remains strong and enduring.
Thank you, O God, for the message of Jesus. Thank you for preserving the truth about Jesus through the last two thousand years and making it available to me. Help me to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live in a way that gives evidence of his power and guidance in my life. Amen.
Proverbs: 3:19-20
By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
Resources:
The History of Christian Thought: The Fascinating Story of the Great Christian Thinkers and How They Helped Shape the World As We Know It Today
by Jonathan Hill
