Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

Read

Acts 5:33-42 (NRSV)

When [members of the council heard this accusation], they were enraged and wanted to kill [the apostles]. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. Then he said to them, “Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!”

They were convinced by him, and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.

Reflect

Have you ever heard anyone trying to reason with a mob? Have you ever spoken out at a political rally, saying, “If this person’s cause is just, it cannot be defeated?” Have you ever taken the floor at a presbytery meeting to remind the presbyters that they do not want to be found fighting against God?

Peter and John had been arrested for speaking and acting in the name of Jesus. Taken before the council, the apostles were challenged to deny Jesus or face death. Amid the chaos, one lone voice got the attention of the court. Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, said, “If this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail, but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it” (5:38-39.

What courage it took for Gamaliel to speak out, one man alone among many powerful people. He was not even certain the apostles were in the right. Still, he was led by God to give Peter and John the opportunity to succeed or fail on the merits of their cause.

God would have us to be voices of reason—in the community and in the church. Let us not be found opposing God.

Pray

God of truth and justice, often we fail to acknowledge what is right when it is staring us in the eyes. Grant us insight to be voices of reason, make us hesitant to act rashly, ready to stand on the side of truth. Amen.

Go with God.