Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

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20 February 2010
Passage: Acts 5:12-42
Focus: “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!’” Acts 5:29.

            There are definitely some human risks involved in obeying God.  You can easily get yourself hated, persecuted, flogged, despised, and even killed by obeying God.  But when you see the big picture, that’s really no big deal.  Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28).  And Paul said something that continues to be mind-boggling to the world: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).  This kind of risk is all part of the program that sets the people of God apart from the rest of the world.  In fact, Church history proves that the people of God actually thrive amidst persecution.
            Throughout our earthly pilgrimage, we would be well advised to more regularly turn this statement into a question and ask, “ Am I obeying God or men?”  Sometimes the cords of culture, custom, tradition, and other forms of social pressure can pull very strong to push us off course and discourage our being people who OBEY GOD.  Keep repeating this rule of the Kingdom, keep it fresh in your heart:  “We must OBEY GOD rather than men!”
            Bear in mind who these “men” were who were demanding obedience – they were the very ones claiming to speak for God and represent God.  Talk about irony!  They were the religious elite.  Beware, folks!  Religious tyranny that rules by fear and force is certainly nothing new.  It’s still with us today.
            Best we focus on the benefits rather than the risks, however.  Notice these apostles returning home following their flogging “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”  The joy of the Lord for them was not only a benefit but also their source of strength, destined to ultimately propel them into eternal rejoicing.  That’s a pretty great benefit.  And always remember this:  The temporal risks of OBEYING GOD are nothing compared to the consequences of NOT obeying God.