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 time and time again throughout history and clearly, it was happening even in the early days of the of the first Church. A dynamic speaker or charismatic evangelist would suddenly rise up and gather a large crowd. Many times, it would only last for a short season, and then you’d never hear about them again. When things like this happen, there’s often a lot of talk and even concern among onlookers, but rarely is there an outright arrest, unless, of course, criminal activity like embezzling or fraud is involved. Still, when these individuals rise up, the outcome usually ends the same: their following dissolves and fades away.
The situation in today’s reading was a little different, though, because the power of the Holy Spirit was at work. God was building His Church and moving quickly to spread the gospel throughout the earth. No matter what the religious leaders did to try to stop it, the movement just kept growing. Finally, someone spoke up with wisdom. Gamaliel, a Pharisee highly respected by all the council, asked for a private meeting without the apostles in the room. His advice brought clarity and peace instead of more stress and tension.
In short, Gamaliel reminded them that other leaders had risen up in the past, but once they were gone, their followers scattered, and nothing lasting came of it. Then he gave a wise warning: leave these men alone. If their movement was not from God, it would fail on its own. But if God was behind it, fighting against them would be fighting against God Himself, a battle they could never win.
This wisdom is still so relevant for us today. When we see someone gaining fame or influence in the Church and it doesn’t sit right with us, our first response should be to turn it over to God. If He is in it, we don’t want to stand in the way. If He’s not, it will eventually fall apart. We don’t have to carry the weight of policing or judging other ministries; we can trust God to reveal what’s real and what’s not in His perfect timing.
Here area some steps you can take when you feel the weight of tension toward a minister or ministry:
- Pray first. Before forming an opinion about a popular preacher or movement, bring it to God in prayer.
- Stay focused on your assignment. Don’t get distracted by what’s happening “out there.” Stay faithful to where God has called you to serve and grow.
- Resist gossip. If others around you are criticizing or speculating, choose to stay out of it. You don’t need to weigh in.
- Encourage discernment. If someone close to you seems caught up in the hype, pray for them and gently encourage them to seek God’s wisdom.
- Trust God to work it out. Whether a ministry stands or falls is ultimately in God’s hands, not yours.
Today, I want to encourage you: don’t get sidetracked by flashy popularity or growing crowds. Keep your heart focused on Jesus. If something is not from God, it will eventually come to nothing. But if it is from God, no one and nothing can stop it. Trust Him to build His Church His way. Stay faithful. Stay prayerful. And remember, we are called to be builders of unity, not critics from the sidelines.
Let’s keep our hands on the plow, our eyes on Jesus, and trust Him to take care of the rest.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 5:33-42
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 