Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. (20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
The leaders had stated their final position and it seemed as though it was the end of the road for witnessing to Christ. This is where we see an amazing declaration by Peter and John.
This is the Biblical basis for the church in responding to the threats, punishments and laws that are being passed to put an end to the witnessing to the name of Jesus.
Peter and John were speaking with leaders who knew the law, so, Peter and John could call on the God of Moses, as the basis for their response to the decree. These leaders could relate to the statement of Peter and John.
In our circumstances, we may not have the privilege that Peter and John had. Our audiences could be those who completely negate anything to do with the God of heaven and earth. Yet, this is the basis on which we must respond to those who intend to act violently against our witness. We take our stand on the God of heaven and earth, whether our audiences acknowledge Him or they do not.
I Timothy 2:1-3 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
In this matter of fullness of life, of which God alone is the source, we must make our audiences know that we will obey God. Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. This must be the unified voice of His church.
Right through the Bible, we see examples of God’s people who took a stand on issues and made their audience know that they will speak only what the Lord has given them to speak. In doing so, they had to undergo much suffering. The suffering did not deter these people of God.
I Kings 22:13-14 Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Please, let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement.” (14) And Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, whatever the LORD says to me, that I will speak.”
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego did not fear for their lives but they took their stand and made it known to Emperor Nebuchadnezzar that they would not bow to his golden image. Daniel 3:18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
The emperor was furious and had the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. Then these three young men were thrown into the blazing furnace but what took place?
Daniel 3:24-26 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” (25) “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (26) Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire.
The Lord honoured the faith of these three men. They were saved from the fire and they were also elevated in their rank in the government service.
As we look at history we also know that it has not always been that when we take a stand for Jesus that matters will turn in our favour. We know that many of God’s people who took a stand and refused to obey the authorities in not witnessing for Christ have had to lay down their lives.
Hebrews 11:32-38 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:(33) who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (34) quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (35) Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. (36) Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. (37) They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— (38) of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
Let us be encouraged that we are one with those who are the heroes of faith in Jesus.
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