"Unstoppable" June 30 Readings: 2 Chronicles 17-18, Acts 5:1–31, Psalm 78:26–32, Proverbs 16:12–14

Today's Readings - 2 Chronicles 17-18, Acts 5:1–31, Psalm 78:26–32, Proverbs 16:12–14

Devotional 

You almost had to feel sorry for the Pharisees and other opponents of the work of Jesus Christ in the Early Church.

They seemed to have all the power, or they thought they did. The Temple authorities had arrested the Apostles in an attempt to intimidate them and keep them from preaching about Jesus Christ. But the next day when they got up, thinking the Apostles were where they had placed them, they found that the troublesome followers of Jesus were back out in the Temple courts proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and stirring up more trouble.

There was nothing to do but to tighten the screws a little.  They arrested them again and upped the ante on the threats against them, warning them to stop their evangelistic work. This didn't work any better than their previous efforts had. No matter what they did, those pesky Christians continued to work, and pray, and preach, and grow.

In Acts 5:29 the Apostles replied that they had to obey God and could not obey their commands. They continued to tell the world that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead no matter what anyone did to them. If they warned them, they proclaimed Christ. If they arrested them, they proclaimed Christ. If they beat them, they rejoiced and proclaimed Christ. If they killed them, those who were left continued to proclaim Christ.

The Pharisees could hate Jesus and could oppress those who sided with him, those who believed in and served him. But they could not stop the work of God in the church. They grew angrier, more frustrated, more aggressive, but nothing they did worked to stop the gospel story from spreading. Every attempt to stop the church only served to advance the kingdom.

We can rejoice that nothing can stop the work of God in us and in his church. Opposition will come, even perhaps persecution, but the gospel goes forward. Satan can sow lies, but the truth prevails. When we serve Christ we can overcome any obstacle and endure any hardship that is put in our path.

Father, come what may, I thank you for your power and your victory. 

Think and Pray

What obstacles and trials are you facing in your life? 

Remember that in the power of the Spirit you can overcome them and continue in the work of Christ. do not allow trials to discourage or derail you from the work of God. They are normal, but they are overcome by the power of Christ's Spirit.