Daily D – Acts 5:38-39
Acts 5:38, 39 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (NIV)
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In an age where everyone feels compelled to shout, it is the quiet calm of wisdom that should be heard most carefully.
Truth does not require a megaphone. Truth is loud in all the right ways without asking favors from unnecessary amplification.
It was a noisy crowd who got Jesus crucified.
It was a quiet morning when Jesus arose.
The Apostle Paul, who experienced both sides of shouting, said we are to speak the truth in love. He said we are to live peaceful, quiet lives.
Shrieks and war cries are fitting for demons and warriors, not for Christians with quiet confidence in truth that endures forever.
God can do more with his silence than we can we our protestations.
Acts 2-5 tell stories of intense moments of truth sharing by the Apostles and other Spirit-filled disciples. They spoke boldly, clearly, truthfully, and joyfully. They did not belittle anyone. They did not engage in “Yeah, but . . .” retorts. They did not trust their own knowledge and wisdom but instead fully leaned on the Spirit’s empowering declarative presence.
Acts 4:8-10 is typical:
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”
The first words are respectful. The truth is simply declared. The evidence is clear.
Go thou and do likewise.
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I will speak the truth in love simply, with respect, trusting God to do more in silence than I can with amplification.
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Our Father, please forgive us for attempting to shout down those who disagree with us. Please forgive us for trying to overpower others with pugnacious behavior. Bless us with the filling and empowering of your Spirit which emboldens us and opens the ears of those who hear your words of truth and life. Amen.
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