(The following is the May 11 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Acts 5 and pay close attention to verses 33-42.)
The Jewish Sanhedrin received sound advice one day from a well-respected member, Gamaliel. Peter and the apostles were on trial for preaching in Jesus’ name. Gamaliel reminded the leaders of other historical figures who were apparent threats for a while, only to have those threats soon disappear. Gamaliel advised, “So, in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God” (vv. 38-39).
Gamaliel may not have understood who Christ was, but he was right about several things:
God will accomplish his purposes.
Human efforts to stop God’s work will fail.
Human initiatives not backed by the power and presence of God are, at best temporary and eventually die on their own.
We aren’t always sure when a particular thing is from God.
Assuming something is not from God when it may be part of his plan sets one up to oppose God.
Have you seen God work in others through ways you first questioned? Have you been helped in your Christian walk through unexpected methods, resources, and people? Given our fallible judgment, unless something contradicts the clear teaching of God’s Word, we should exercise caution in opposing new or unusual ways of reaching and discipling people for Christ. Otherwise, we may find ourselves fighting against God.
Next Step:
Can you identify current or past Christian ministries you initially opposed or questioned as from God? Did good come from them? How would you now characterize God’s work through those ministries?
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