Acts 4:1-4 (NRSV)
Peter and John arrested
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand.
DEVOTION
Today’s GOOD NEWS Bible passage makes me giggle…
While I never advocate purposefully “annoying people” while spreading the Gospel, it seems that sometimes it is a natural extension of the work we do in Jesus Name.
Today’s Bible passage reminds us that not everybody is going to be as excited about Jesus as we are! The GOOD NEWS about Jesus will be an annoyance to the “crabby people”* who are invested in the “doom and gloom” message embedded in contemporary society.
For folks who like the status quo, and prosper from it, the GOOD NEWS message about Jesus Christ will feel like a pebble in their shoe.
After all, when people put all their hope in Jesus, they are removing it from another entity. They are switching dance partners or crushing false idols under their feet!
For example, when a workaholic puts all of her faith in Jesus, she doesn’t work as often on Sunday morning. When a father puts all of his faith in Jesus, he leaves work on time to get to his daughter’s softball game. When a single woman puts all her faith in Jesus, her dating behaviors change in a way her boyfriend might not appreciate. (smile) Come on, somebody!
Putting our faith in Jesus shakes up the status quo and the crabby people don’t like it; it annoys them!
In the case of Peter and John, the crabby people expressed their outrage by arresting Peter and John and putting them into jail. But, do you know what? The “damage” was already done and over 5,000 souls who had heard their GOOD NEWS message believed and became followers of Christ!
It is my fervent prayer that my life mirrors that of Peter and John. I want to be so full of the GOOD NEWS message that I just have to share it everywhere I go, no matter what the consequences may be! In the past, when I have erroneously tried not to speak on behalf of Jesus, it has been “like fire shut up in my bones!” I have found that I just can’t keep it to myself.
When I think about The Truth that God loves, gave and saves, I get so excited! When I meditate on the fact that God loves us so much--and so unconditionally--that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and to gift us with eternal life, I just have to tell somebody!
People in this world are desperate to know that God loves them and God that God cares. In the midst of the financial downturn, lost jobs, foreclosed houses, depressed 401ks, debilitating illness and disease, insufficient food and water, and/or the violence and war that are sweeping our world, people really need to know that God will never leave them nor forsake them and that God is on their side working for the ultimate good of all people!
If we must pay a price to share the GOOD NEWS with others, let us gladly pay that price! After all, we know that Jesus paid a very dear price to bring us the GOOD NEWS—He gave up his very life!
I don’t know about you, but I am not ashamed of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, for I know it be the power unto salvation for all who believe it! There is a song by Casting Crowns called, “If We Are the Body.” The lyrics ask, “If we are the Body of Christ why aren’t His arms reaching, hands healing, words teaching, feet going, and love showing?”
This is a good question my friends! Let us get to work sharing the love and grace of God everywhere we go!
Will you boldly share the GOOD NEWS with others today?
Amazing God, your love for us is utterly astounding! It is such GOOD NEWS to know and believe that you love, gave, and save! Please help me to be bold in the declaration of The Truth. My friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and enemies need to know that you love and care for them. I will share the GOOD NEWS today, and every day, as you enable me to do so. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
*the idea of crabby people comes from the book “A Place for You” by Daniel Erlander! Thanks!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy May Day to those celebrating!
Congratulations to the people who have recently put all of their faith in Jesus! We are so excited about your newfound faith in Jesus! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
If you would like to put all of your hope in Jesus today, please visit my blog entitled, “Putting All Your Hope In Jesus” located at http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/putting-all-your-hope-in-jesus.html
If you have additional questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus"
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
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From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com
Reading the devotional put a smile on my face. I loved it. The words of today's song gave food for thought. If we are the body, why aren't we doing what Jesus would do?
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