February 6, 2020
Acts 5:40-42
His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
New International Version (NIV)
It was déjà vu all over again!  Jesus had predicted the persecution of his followers.  Luke tells us the same people who arrested and tried Jesus now arrested the Apostles.  An angel released them and told them to preach about Jesus again.  So they did.

When the Sanhedrin arrested them a second time they told them, “We asked you not to teach in this name . . . you have filled Jerusalem with this teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”  Peter responded by speaking the name of Jesus again and telling them they murdered him, but God exalted him as ruler and Savior.  They wanted to kill the apostles right then. 

Cooler heads prevailed.  Rabbi Gamaliel prevailed by reminding them that Christianity would go away if it were not from God.  But if it were they would be fighting God.  Gamaliel won the day.  So they beat them and told them to stop saying the name Jesus.

Here is the paradox of the early believers:  they went right out and taught about Jesus.  They were honored to suffer for the name of Jesus.  So they kept on talking about him, obeying God instead of the authorities.

All around the world Christians are suffering for following Jesus.  The cross is not just an historical event for believers, but a way of life.  We deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily and follow him.  Why?  Because “Jesus’ name is the only name that is able to save.  His blood is the only power that is able to cleanse.  His ear is open to the sinner’s call.  His hand is quick to lift the fallen soul.  Jesus is the eternal Lover of us all.”  If we suffer let it be for doing good, not bad; let it be because we can’t stop talking about Jesus!
Pray with me:       
Father, we thank you for the high and holy name of Jesus.  We know every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow to Jesus and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Let us never be ashamed of the name of Jesus.  Give us the chance today to tell somebody that Jesus loves them.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  
Join us in memorizing the Word.  Scripture for this week:    
Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan.  Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG 
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week.  In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year.  Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.  
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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