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A GIVEN PRIVILEGE
LORD’S DAY, AUGUST 9
Acts 4:5-7

Psalm 119:41-48

 

“I will speak of thy testimonies
also before kings,

and will not be ashamed.”

 

A GIVEN PRIVILEGE
 
The Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:17-18, “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.” The Apostles were called to explain by what power they healed the lame man. The fearful interrogation was transformed into an opportunity to declare the very message which the leaders hated.
 
Caught to testify: The next day, the rulers, elders and scribes of the Jews gathered together in Jerusalem to discuss the miracle. This was not a small event for them; they found the new group of Christ’s believers a threat to the old system. No less than the High Priest and other big shots in the Jewish religion attended the meeting. Annas the high priest and his relatives were there. It was not a trivial meeting, it was meant to stop the disciples from preaching. The mention of these names is useful to determine the probable dates of these circumstances. The most important, however, was their offices and influences that were meant to intimidate the Apostles.
 
Called to testify: The meeting became a great privilege for the Apostles. They did not need to make an appointment to see the leaders! The higher authorities themselves requested their presence and asked the Apostles to testify about the doctrines they were teaching. It may be fearful and intimidating to be brought before great men in the land but if it is the way by which they can hear the Word, we should take the opportunity to tell them boldly and faithfully about the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. They learnt to rely on the Lord and not on their own flesh. God blessed their witness. They were not passively waiting but actively took every opportunity given of the Lord.
 
Are you scared to be known as a Christian to your supervisors, managers, principals or CEOs? Are you worried you will be persecuted or lose your job?
 
THOUGHT: Am I hiding my Christian witness?

PRAYER: O Father, make me a bright light to shine for Thee.

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