Christian Mission Outreach

Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They did not bow to the idol the government set up because that was contrary to God’s will. They knew the king of Babylon had a severe punishment for them because they chose to obey God’s command rather than his; but they were blessed. The three young men had a strong faith and the fourth man in the fiery furnace, the pre-incarnate Jesus, was suddenly with them not letting the fire harm them. This miracle moved the king of Babylon to bless the one, true God who had “‘delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God.’” (Dan. 3:28) The king even made a decree that no one should speak anything against the God of the 3 young men!

Interestingly, we are still commanded to both obey God and to “be subject to the governing authorities.” (Rom. 13:1) Like the three young men, Peter and the apostles obeyed the governing authorities when they were put in custody unjustly. But they would not deny their faith in God and in what God had commanded them to do or speak. Obeying God was paramount to them. One day people will stand before the judgment seat of God to give an account for what they did in this life.

Sometimes believers have been tortured or killed for refusing to deny Christ, even today. But God has blessed them and been with them, even giving them miraculous prison breaks at times and healing their wounds. Jesus was not ashamed of them and certainly we do not want Him to be ashamed of us! Jesus said, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

They were forbidden to speak in Jesus’ name when the religious authorities questioned Peter and John after the lame man was healed because of their faith in the name of Jesus. The authorities were perplexed because it was evident to all “‘that a notable miracle has been done through them… and we cannot deny it. [Trying to prevent the spread of more miracles, they said,] let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man [or teach] in this name.’. . . But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard.’ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done,” (Acts 4:16-21)

At that point, the apostles were spared from more than verbal persecution because so many people gave glory to God for the miracle performed in the name forbidden by authorities. They did not keep what had happened to them secret, but told their companions and prayed “Now Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the holy name of Your holy servant Jesus.’ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29-31)

They needed this fresh infilling of Holy Spirit for the revival God brought in answer to their earnest prayer. It also prepared them for the persecution which followed the many miracles which were done in Jesus’ name. Although they brought freedom to many, and the number of believers multiplied, the religious authorities did not understand and put the apostles in prison. “But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.’” (Acts 5:19-20) So they did, knowing that God approved of this particular civil disobedience.

When they saw that the apostles were indeed teaching about Jesus in the temple, performing miracles, they sent officers to arrest them again. They did it peacefully, “without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. . . [Before the council,] the high priest asked them, saying, ‘Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!’

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said:

‘We ought to obey God rather than men.’” (Acts 5:26-29)

It is important to follow His Holy Spirit for those whom Jesus has called to be leaders under His Lordship. If we call Jesus “Lord,” then we are to follow His lead. Like a bride following her husband in the dance, I say, “You lead, Lord. You lead!”

Like Joshua, we are to remember we are not alone. God promised to be with us. We are to “‘Be strong and of good courage . . . Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all [God’s word. . . It] shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” (Joshua 1:6-9)

Jesus said that Holy Spirit would teach us what to say if we are brought before the authorities for His sake. And Peter reminded, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats or be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:14-17) Holy boldness with meekness and the fear of the LORD.

Jesus told me once, “The meek ones are rising.”

The glory of the Lord is our rear guard. Stephen knew this.

God tells us 365 times in the Bible to not be afraid because he knows we will be tempted to fear. Thank God His powerful word gives us light and strength to do God’s will.

God’s word is all about love – loving God with our whole heart and soul and mind and strength and loving our neighbour as ourself, loving one another as Jesus has loved us. Therefore, because He loves us, His word tells us what is right and what is wrong. Jesus even provides a way out so we can avoid evil. God hates sin, all types of sin, but loves mankind so much that He sent His Son to provide atonement for our sins, if we will only receive the free gift He offers.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)