David Jeremiah (December-27-2023) Daily Devotional: Choose to Rejoice - Turning Point.
And when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5:40-41
Recommended Reading: Acts 5:33-42 - GAMALIEL’S ADVICE
33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.
35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.
36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.
37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.
38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;
39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
In the early days of the Church, the apostles were arrested and beaten for sharing the Good News.
Yet their response was not one of anxiety or fear. Instead, they rejoiced! Why? Because
“they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
The apostles’ joy was not dependent on their pain level or location; their joy came from knowing that they were obeying Christ’s command to share the Good News of the Gospel with the world.
Choosing to rejoice in the midst of stressful circumstances is not a normal reaction in our world.
But it should be the Christian’s response. We know the One who is sovereignly reigning over all the earth.
We know the Creator of the sunrise and the sunset. We know the Father who cares for His children.
Therefore, we can rejoice in any and all circumstances. We can say with the apostle Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Rejoice today, no matter what comes your way.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! - Charles Wesley
0 Comments
Please drop a comment. God bless you!