Something New
And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” Acts 5:38-39
This scenario has shown up a lot in history and obviously it happened many times in the days of the first church. A dynamic speaker or charismatic evangelist comes on the scene suddenly and draws a large number of people to them. Most times, it only lasted for a short while, then they were never heard of again. When something like this does happen, there is often a lot of talk and even concerns from those looking on, but rarely if ever is there an arrest that takes place. Unless of course there is embezzling or stealing going on. Still, when these individuals rise up, there seems to be the same outcome and then life just goes on.
The situation in today’s reading was a little bit different because the Holy Spirit’s power was at work. God was expediting the growth of the church and filling them with His power so that the message of the gospel could spread quickly throughout the whole earth. No matter what the religious leaders of that day did to try to hinder that work, it just seemed to flourish and grow. There were arrests, threats, beatings and warnings, but nothing could stop them. Finally, someone spoke up with wisdom. A Pharisee named Gamaliel who was a teacher of the law and highly respected by all the council, asked for a private meeting with out the apostles in the room. What he suggested made perfect sense and allowed peace to come into the situation instead of stress and tension.
In short, Gamaliel said that there had been many that tried in the past to be great leaders and rebels, but after they were gone, their following just dispersed and the sect was never heard of again. Then Gamaliel gave a warning to leave the Christians alone because if the church was not of God it would come to nothing like the rest, but if God was behind it, there would be no success in trying to overthrow them because they would actually be fighting against God.
This makes perfect sense and should be our response in today’s world. When we see someone gaining fame in the church that doesn’t seem quite right to us, we should turn that over to God and let Him handle the situation. If God is behind it, it would not be right to fight against Him anyway. But if God is not there, the ministry will dissolve and those that are following will disperse, just like they have throughout the ages.
Today I want to encourage you not to get distracted with seemingly popular preachers and those drawing great crowds. Instead, just keep away and leave them alone. If the plan or work is of man, it will fall, but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it and you will even be fighting against God. Certainly, not a position that anyone wants to be in. Pray for those you know who seem to be sucked into the crowd and also for the speakers themselves. God will sort it all out and, in the end, you do not have to look foolish or even say I told you so.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 5:22-42
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported,
23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!”
24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.
25 So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,
28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.
35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.
36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.
37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.
38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;
39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
The Daily Dose 