Whom to obey
Day 489, Saturday, Dec. 13
Acts 5:12-42
Public response was mixed for those earliest Christians. On the one hand, people continued to join them and “they were highly regarded by the people.” On the other hand, both religious and government leaders were concerned by the disruption their message brought and sought to silence them.
As resistance began to become persecution, Peter and the other apostles made a decision: “We must obey God rather than human beings.”
The religious leaders in the Sanhedrin were also divided about how to best silence the new movement. Gamaliel’s words proved prophetic: “If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God.”
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Saturday meditation
Psalms 41:1-13
Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.
I said, “Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?” When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around.
All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, “A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.” Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.
But may you have mercy on me, Lord; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
Prayer focus
God, grant us the courage to obey you rather than people.