Daily Devotion, April 24, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 5:33-39.

This was the second time these apostles of Jesus had been before the ruling council of Jerusalem known as the Sanhedrin. Peter and his brothers spoke boldly, holding these religious leaders accountable for the crucifixion of their Lord. That made those leaders furious, such that they were ready to condemn the apostles to death as well. The Council was made up of seventy men. We know there were at least two who thought favorably of Jesus. There could have been a few more, but I’m guessing that a large majority of the seventy would have voted to convict the apostles at that point. However, in that atmosphere of high tension and anger, one man was willing to speak up and offer another viewpoint. Gamaliel offered much-needed wisdom and four words in the next verse sums up the result of what he said: “His speech persuaded them.”

It’s hard to speak up when tensions and anxiety are running high. When people are being emotional, it can be very intimidating to say anything. It’s hard to speak out against popular opinion. But the people of Christ, the people who represent the God of justice, are called to do just that anytime we see injustice being done. You may often feel like you don’t know what to say. Don’t worry about always having just the right words. Nobody always has the wisdom of Gamaliel in every situation. (I’m guessing he didn’t either.) The main thing is to say something. Say or do whatever you have to in order to try to right the wrong. Speak up. Speak out. That Spirit is of God and can’t be stopped.

Personal Worship Option:

Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote the words to one of my all-time favorite hymns of the Church. There are a couple of repeating phrases in each verse that particularly fit for our lesson today. Here are two verses:

God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power;

crown thine ancient church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.

Lo! the hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!

Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.