Countdown to Christmas – Day 6

The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Acts 5: 27-32

The apostles, the small band of men devoted to Jesus and His mission as the prophesied Messiah, received word they were to stand before the high priest and answer for their transgressions. Given strict warning not to fill the heads of the people of Jerusalem with their ideas and folklore of the so-called King of the Jews, they dismissed the orders of man in order to fulfill God’s plan. And talk they did teaching the gospel from shoreline to shoreline to any and all who would listen to the truth.

It would be naive of us to believe that such commitment would be easy. The apostles suffered greatly for their faith in Christ and in most cases died a most violent death including burning, beheading, and being flayed alive with knives. But it is because of their great faith and bold unapologetic witness of their transformation that these men have a legacy that has followed them for generations. And will continue for generations to come.

Each one of these men had different lives and unique identities, each holding tight to their own ideals and life plans. Some were fishermen, some tax collectors, and Paul- once known as Saul- had a life mission of slaughtering Christians. But each shares one common thread in their story: upon encounter with the Saviour their hearts were transformed by the Holy Spirit. Transformed for His purposes and not their own.

When we submit unto the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our obedience leads us to a changed heart for the Holy Spirit is the revealer of truth in our life. Are we willing to proclaim the truth though it may cost us? Are we able to set aside the mockery of man so that God’s plan may prevail? Let us find comfort knowing that one small act of obedience will lead to another, a solid bond of trust being built between us and our Saviour. And though it may not be easy, our obedience can not only change the world around us, but the legacy we leave for generations to come.

Father, though the obedience you ask of me may make me fearful, I am in awe of your power and mighty hand. Help me to change the world around me, bringing your truth to light through the transformation of my heart. In Jesus name, amen.