Scripture
Acts 5:41-“So they went on their way from the presence of the council, REJOICING that they had be considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
Observation
I can’t even begin to imagine the state of mind that the apostles must’ve been in. From the death of their leader, Jesus…to His resurrection…His reappearance and His commission…Him leaving again…and now His spirit amongst them, allowing them to work miracles. The confidence they must’ve felt, the oneness of heart, and the complete faith that Jesus was working through them. So much so that they would even find joy in the fact that they were beaten, persecuted, jailed, and condemned to death in His name.
Application
I don’t suffer much, but when I do I’m sure not rejoicing and finding contentment in it. Instead, I usually sulk for a day or two and find everything around me that’s wrong just to make sure everyone knows I’m in a crappy mood. Jesus’ guys could’ve sulked and felt sorry for themselves when resistance came their way, they were doing the work of Jesus, people were being healed, crowds were coming to salvation. They could’ve pleaded with the Holy Spirit to make things right, they could’ve met somewhere safe and vented their frustrations to each other, but they didn’t. Instead, they chose joy. There it goes again, those 2 simple words that at times are way beyond my comprehension, CHOOSE JOY.
So how do I do it? How do I choose joy when it appears the tasks go in circles, problems get solved only to return in new and more eloquent terms? While these problems pale in comparison to the threats of death received by the apostles, they are joy suckers nonetheless. One of the keys for me is to acknowledge that doing life will sometimes be a struggle…and part 2 of that, the much more important part, is that it’s okay. Like it says in James, I need to rejoice in the struggle because it develops my faith which leads to more cute words that describe Christlikeness. I know that struggles will come, attacks from the enemy will come when we are doing what Jesus wants and are operating within His will.
I also need to remember that resistance is real and inevitable. The enemy desires to thwart God’s plans for us and cause division. I need to remember this and find joy in knowing that if we keep pressing forward we know the outcome…JESUS WINS! He’s undefeated...I’m the one who continues to throw away games because of my selfishness and needs to pad my status. The apostles were able to walk away from their trial under the high council with joy and eagerness because they had a complete understanding and commitment to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ, unconditionally. They saw each moment as an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus, heal someone in Jesus’ name and claim Him from house to house as the Messiah. If I strive for that same fervor, all the so-called troubles of the world become affirmation markers along the way towards walking forward in the call of Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, You are so good and so worthy of praise and worship. Thank you for protecting me from the harms of the evil one as I commit to follow and obey You without condition or concern. You got my back! Thank You for being my Champion and King.
