These words were spoken by the Pharisee
Gamaliel in response to the uproar Christ’s apostles were causing among the
Jewish people. According to witnesses,
these apostles who had been put in jail had somehow escaped and were preaching
again in the temple courts. Gamaliel
seeks to calm the religious leaders’ concerns by reminding them of past failed
attempts to rally the people in revolt.
In his view, this incident would pass over like the others, unless
it was from God.
Herein lies the key of any significant move
in the name of God among men: if it is of human origin, it will eventually
fail. History is full of men who have
tried to change the world only to be remembered as bits of history. Yet, history has also recorded the results of
these apostles, filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit on mission, changed the
world. This change is still occurring,
for out of that band of twelve, those who call on the name of Christ now exceed
millions.
This should give us great hope for our Christian
lives. If God is orchestrating his plans
in our lives, there is nothing man can do to stop it. Yes, man can try to persecute and hinder
God’s work, but pity the fool who tries to stand in God’s way. Isaac tried to fight with God and wound up lame.
Pharaoh tried with Moses with deadly results.
Jonah sought to circumvent God’s plan and wound up in the belly of a big
fish. Saul on the road to Damascus attempted
to destroy the followers of Christ only to find himself blinded.
Has anyone every fought against God and
won? Can anyone change the ordained plans of God? Obviously the answer is no. Why is it so many people try? How much time is wasted by people rebelling
against God’s movement in their lives?
It is only as we give up the fight and realize His great plan for our
lives that we will truly find the abundant life Jesus promised. It is only when the fighting ceases true
peace comes.
Come see us Sunday. We will talk about that.Pastor Jeff
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