We all suffer in different ways — physically, financially, emotionally, relationally, spiritually, etc. How should we respond? How do we respond to these trials? James 1:2-4 gives us some guidance. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” Is this the way you handle your trials? Are you developing spiritual muscle? Are you developing a spirit of joy because your endurance is growing?”
In Acts 5:17-42, we read about the apostles appearing before the council. They had been jailed, but the angel of the Lord let them out and they continued telling the people about Jesus. They were arrested again and brought before the high council, where they were reprimanded again. Verse 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
In verse 29 we read “But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than human authority.” Verse 30, “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed Him by hanging Him on a cross.” Peter and the apostles did not cave from the pressure from the council. They continued (verse 31-32) “Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
Now notice the reaction of the high council – Verse 32 “When they heard this, the council was furious and decided to kill them.” Sometimes people get ticked off when they are confronted with God’s truth. Years ago, I had to confront a Christian brother with God’s truth and his response was, “How would you like me to rearrange your face?” Isn’t that an interesting way for a believer to treat another believer?
Coming back to Acts 5 – fortunately, there was a sensible man on the council, by the name of Gamaliel, and he persuaded them to let Peter and the others go. In verses 38-39, we read “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, they will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
They listened to Gamaliel, had the apostles flogged, and commanded them again to stop speaking in the name of Jesus and let them go. Now notice the reaction of the apostles who have been arrested twice, jailed once, beaten, and commanded again to stop teaching in the name of Jesus. — Acts 5:41-42, “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
Do you remember the Pandemic? The government very successfully was able to close many schools and churches. Now, several years later, more and more information is coming out about how unnecessary and damaging that was. Students are having a hard time catching up to their grade level and hundreds of churches never reopened. Fortunately, some churches like Grace Community and John MacArthur resisted the State sued the State, and got all of their legal fees covered by the State.
In addition, many Christians have never returned to church, even though in Hebrews 10:25 we read, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Folks, we must obey God, rather than man. We must be bold and be people of truth. We can even rejoice in the face of different kinds of trials because if we face them or respond to them appropriately, they will help us to mature in our faith and develop spiritual muscle.
In Daniel, chapter three, we read of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and how he erected a huge idol representing himself, and when it was finished, the people were told that when they heard the sound of the instruments, they were to bow to the ground and worship the king’s statue. Anyone refusing to do so would be thrown into a blazing furnace. The God-fearing Jews refused to do so and someone informed the king and he flew into a rage and sent for them. He offered them a second chance. In Daniel 3:16-18 they replied to him, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve can save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
I’m sure you can imagine the king’s reaction. He commanded the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he had Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego bound and thrown into the furnace. Because the furnace was so hot, the soldiers who threw them into the furnace, perished.
If you read the rest of the account, you will see that the king was suddenly surprised to see four men, not bound, walking about in the flames and he said, “And the fourth looks like a god!”
Folks, will we who know the Lord, ever learn that we don’t have to suffer alone? Our Lord has promised that He will never leave or forsake us. Whatever you are going through, He will go through with you. How great is that! He may let you go into the trial, but if you rely on Him, He will bring you through the trial and make you more vibrant. You can be like the apostles — “Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus.”
We see the storm clouds gathering today against Christians and Christ’s church, but we have the blessed assurance that our Savior and Lord will never abandon us. He will bring us through. So, stand firm for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Leonard
