Monday, 31^st July 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: OPPOSITION AND PERSECUTION

THEME SCRIPTURE: “So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.” – Acts 4:21

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why were the apostles threatened?

 

Difficulties deepen our determination. Conflicts reveal our true character. But opposition crystalizes our boldness.

Here are Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, which is made up of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees were those religious leaders committed to the preservation of the Law, the traditions of the Jewish people, and the minute details of their religious regulations. They were the religious police.  The Sadducees were the landed gentry. They controlled the wealth, owned lands, and wielded power through their collaboration with foreign conquerors. Hence, they always wanted peace in order to preserve their material gains. This Sanhedrin threatened Peter and John, and indirectly also all the disciples, never to speak to any man in that name (Acts 4:17) if they did not want trouble. These are the same people who crucified Jesus.

Beloved, sometimes we are not aware of how much impact we are making or how meaningful our service in the Lord is until opposition arises.

The size of our opposition determines how much we have been sized, weighed, and feared, even though we may see ourselves as little in our own eyes. One day, King Saul went after David to kill him with three thousand chosen men upon the rocks of the wild goats (1 Sam 24:2). Three thousand soldiers are after one man. When David had to address King Saul about this, he questioned, “After whom is the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog, after a flea (1 Sam 24:14).

In the presence of opposition, our boldness emerges. We gain strong confidence when we realise that our efforts in the Lord are not going unnoticed and that the enemies of God are not happy.

Our obedience makes the children of disobedience uncomfortable. This is why Jesus said, “In me you might have peace. In the world, you will have tribulations. But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Are you standing up for the truth in the workplace? You will have opposition and enemies. Are you standing up for the right thing to be done in your community and church? You will have opposition and the displeasure of the sons of Belial. Are you living a life of righteousness and preaching the message of the kingdom of heaven? You are making the unrighteous uncomfortable. You will definitely have opposition.

When Peter and John were instructed by the Sanhedrin not to speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18), they boldly questioned, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you decide” (Acts 4:19). Precious one, do not let opposition and the enterprises of unreasonable men stress you. Rather, rejoice when you are persecuted and hated for righteousness’ sake; you are doing something right. Be bold even the more in the face of opposition and deepen your impact. If everybody is happy with who you are and what you do in Christ, then you have blended in. You are timid and afraid of incurring the displeasure of the Sanhedrin. But the people who know their God will strengthen themselves and do exploit. Glory to God!

 

FURTHER READING – John 15:19-27

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How are you responding to opposition and persecution in your life?
2. Are all men comfortable with your Christian life?

 

CONFESSION

Thank you Father for allowing opposition in my life to assure me that I am walking the path of righteousness. From today, I take comfort in the words of our Lord Jesus that I’ll have tribulation in this world. However, I will always rejoice in opposition because Jesus has overcome the world. Glory Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Samuel 17; Jeremiah 21; Romans 7; Romans 8