WORSHIP IN ADVERSITY Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ACTS 4:29 IN WORD: Peter and John had proclaimed healing for a cripple at the Temple gate, and the mans celebration created quite a stir. Peter seized the opportunity to preach, but his unreasonable insistence that Jesus had been raised from the dead irked the officials. The Sadducees--who didnt believe in anyones resurrection, much less the heretical Nazarenes ---had Peter and John arrested. After another sermon from Peter, some wise words from calmer heads among the officials, and threats against future preaching and miracles, the bold disciples were released. What was the churchs response? Praise and worship. And more power. Real worship does not bow to adversity. In fact, adversity magnifies the faith and the adoration of a believer. If Peter and John had won the admiration of all the crowds and officials, they would have had reason enough to praise God. But it might have been a circumstantial praise, born of human exhilaration over visible victory. Instead, their praises came in the midst of threats and persecution. Such worship magnifies the Fathers reputation because it cant be false. It cant be based on circumstances or pride. It can only come from real joy in hearts that are really redeemed. Days later, Peter and company would be arrested and released again. They would leave the court of the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name ( Acts 5:41 ). The glory in that kind of joy doesnt point to fallen humanity. It points only to God. IN DEED: Does your adversity point only to God? If not, you are missing a golden opportunity to magnify your worship. You may be accustomed to praising God when life is easy, and you wonder where His favor has gone when life is difficult. Learn from the apostles; worship in the midst of trials, and see His glory shine. Adversity can bring out the best or the worst in a redeemed heart. The choice is yours, and the reputation is Gods. ( The greatness of our God must be tested by the desire we have of suffering for His sake. )
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 01:26:09 +0000
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