“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name."
God’s truth often creates conflict, especially with long established doctrines. As a result, we resist and may even persecute those who walk in a new revelation of God’s “Truth.”
Whenever we determine to be the “Guardians of God’s truth,” we are in peril of opposing of the very One we are trying to defend.
Our lives are ruled by beliefs we hold to be true. The truths we do not question. Truths that are an integral part of who we are and the world we live in. They are our truths!
These “truths” resist and even reject any revelation that may threaten to upset our long established and securely constructed theological nests.
And so,
“… They called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18-19
This was a pivotal moment for the disciples, the church and for us: submit to the ruling authority or stay faithful to what they knew.
“But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
The Truth of God must become part of us, often at a cost of alienation and abuse.
His Truth sets us free.
But we must choose it.
This is our daily challenge.