Opposing God

Acts 5: 33-34, 38-39a

“33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 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...38 “So in the present case, I [Gamaliel] 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; 39 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!”

The Disciples survived this encounter with the Sanhedrin but ultimately all the Disciples met untimely deaths, with the exception of John. Yet the faith survived.   No matter what the world threw at it, no matter how bad the persecution, more people came into the faith.

Gamaliel was right.  In the work of the Disciples, God was moving and at work, and nothing the world threw at it could prevent its spread.

God is still present in this world and working.  His Spirit goes where He wills, introducing us to new ways of worship, new church models and new church members.

Like most new things, not everyone is happy with them.  But in all of these things, let’s remember the words of Gamaliel.  If any of these things are of human origin, they will fail, but if they are of God then they will prosper and if we fight and strive against them, we are actually opposing God. 

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)