Wednesday, April 12

Wednesday, April 12

Reading:  Acts 5:33-40

Key Verse: Acts 5:38–39 (NIV) — 38 “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Devotional Thought:  Not much is known of this figure Gamaliel.  It’s him that advises the Sanhedrin who’ve been giving the early disciples so much trouble to ease up a bit and let things play out.  His advice seems wise – if this is of God you can’t stop it. If it’s not, then it’ll fizzle out on its own.

This news must have been like a drink of cold water in the hot desert for the believers.  They’ve been so faithful.  They’ve persisted through persecution.  Now, finally, it seems like they catch a break, and maybe it’s just what the doctor ordered.  Or perhaps just what the Lord ordered.

Isn’t it true that when we get so close to our breaking point that God does something to bring respite? Could it have been that God acted through this man to bring much needed relief to the believers?  Could it be that God acts through people and situations even today to bring us much needed relief as well? 

I’m thinking of that promise in 1 Corinthians that reminds us that “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  God provides ways out.  He provides a retreat.  He provides a refuge for the weary.

Finally, a bit of good news and just at the right time.

Action:  If you’re feeling overwhelmed by circumstances, pray to God for relief and trust that He will send it at just the right time.  Or, perhaps you need to be a Gamaliel in someone’s life.  Maybe you need to be that relief to the hurting brother or sister.  Speak up and act and be the vehicle of God’s provision for someone in your life.