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Protecting Our Rights or Glorifying God?

"When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.  And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in response. After they had ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves, saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign, evident to all who live in Jerusalem, has been done through them, and we cannot deny it!  However, so this does not spread any further among the people, let’s threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again.” So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;  for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them, because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done;  for this sign of healing had been performed on a man over 40 years old." Acts 4:13‭-‬22 HCSB

Observations:

It was the combination of Peter and John's boldness and lack of education/training that led the religious leaders to the conclusion that Peter and John had been with Jesus.

The religious leaders had no interest in Jesus even though the miraculous sign was valid.

The religious leaders did not want miracles and healing to spread.

The religious leaders tried to take away the disiples freedom of speech and religious practice.

In the face of this abuse of power, the disciples did not fight for their rights, they kept the focus on glorifying God.

Today...

Unlike the disciples, it seems like our focus has become protecting our rights instead of glorifying God. I wonder what would happen if our focus shifted back to glorifying God.

Thoughts and comments always welcome ♡

Jordan


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