RPG Adults
OBEY FIRST AND NEVER COMPLAIN
SATURDAY, JANUARY 2
Acts 8:3-4
Luke 19:10
“Whosoever therefore shall
confess me before men,
him will I confess also before my Father…”
OBEY FIRST AND NEVER COMPLAIN
The man named Saul spearheaded the great persecution. He ravaged and destroyed the properties of the believers and dragged men and women into jail. It would have been easy to murmur and complain against God in such a situation.
Scattered abroad: This dispersion was in line with the Great Commission to go to the other parts of Judea and the next province of Samaria. The original Greek word for “scattered” (Acts 8:1) is in the passive voice. It was not due to Saul’s ferocity but God’s felicity. It was the Lord’s pleasure that they did the business of the King. Likewise today, we must not be busy only for our own churches, we must go and share the gospel with those who are outside our church!
Preaching the Word: This was the primary end of this great persecution. Many times, we just see one side of the coin, but we have to see the other side also! Then we can understand its true worth! They were bringing glad tidings, announcing the good news in all the places they went. Surprisingly, they were not described as being in confusion and paranoia but were happily sharing the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke carefully chose the word “preaching” (Acts 8:4) in the middle voice showing that they themselves actively and with pleasure preached the Word of God!
The Great Commission is a command and not an option. All who truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are to fulfil this commission according to the gifts that God has granted them. None is exempted and none is excused. If you are truly of the Lord, God will (whether you like it or not) awaken you out of slumber and prod you to rise up and do His Commission.
In the military, the unwritten rule is: “obey first before you complain.” For Christians, the teaching is: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Phil 2:14). Are you obeying God? Or, in the first place, are you under His command? Do you desire to enlist in this exciting and blessed work of the Lord? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be one of His servicemen, obeying without thinking of complaining!
THOUGHT: Am I obedient to my heavenly Father?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the heart to obey and never rebel.