“But Peter and John replied, ‘ Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.’” Acts 4:19-20 NLT
Over the last few weeks, we have seen both Alex Palou and Denny Hamlin win consecutive races in IndyCar and NASCAR, respectively. Currently, they seem unstoppable! Everyone in the field is chasing them as they head to the next race. They have executed well as drivers, and their teams have done their jobs too. While all of their opponents wish they would falter or slow down, they keep charging forward without errors.
In the early church, the religious leaders wanted the disciples to stop preaching about Jesus’ death and resurrection. It was like rubbing a victory in their faces, plus the life-changing power of God was working in people’s souls. While Peter, John, and the other disciples preached redemption and new life through faith in Christ, the religious leaders were losing their grip on the people and their laws. Similarly to Alex Palou and Denny Hamlin’s opponents, they wanted the disciples to stop because the power was no longer in their hands. The victory was no longer theirs (it never was, but they thought differently). Rather than obey and let them have the upper hand, Peter and John replied that they could not stop speaking about what was happening right in front of them. They were given victory through Jesus’ death and resurrection! How could they stop celebrating and inviting others to share in it?
Do you have the same attitude towards the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection? You have been given this same victory that Peter and John have. I’m sure you have seen God working in your life if you are following him. Have you stopped telling others about it? Have you fully understood the wonder and glory and relief and freedom this has given you? Then you should tell others about it! Don’t stop celebrating the victory you have in Christ Jesus! When others ask you, “Why are you so wrapped up in this Jesus stuff?” or “We’ve heard this a million times, can’t you just move on from it?” Respond back with the same gusto of Peter and John: “I can’t stop telling you about all I’ve seen and heard! There is salvation in no one else!”
Leave a Reply