O Happy Day

I love how scripture just blows me away. I was reading in Acts chapter 6 this morning. The apostles were teaching and healing. They were brought before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. I am loving what they said "We must obey God rather than men! . . . 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." Listen to what they did - "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 Christ."

This brings tears to my eyes. It did not matter to them what man thought. It did not matter to them what kind of attacks from others that they might face. They had one mission and one alone - to share the message of Jesus - no matter the cost! They thought about what Jesus went through. They knew that Jesus went through unimaginable desertion, pain and torture for you and me, for them. I want to have this much passion to reach the lost. I want to step out of my comfort areas so that others can know and hear about the love of Jesus for them.

We too are apostles. It wasn't just for "back then". When Jesus gave the Great Commission - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" it was us who are the disciples. Notice that right before Jesus said this scripture says that "the disciples met Jesus on the mountain and worshiped him; but some doubted." These same men that sat with Jesus at the Last Supper, followed him, talked with him after the resurrection - doubted. These were the men that were teaching and healing in Acts. Those men I wrote about that were rejoicing that they were suffering for the name of Jesus. THEY DOUBTED AND LOOK HOW GOD USED THEM! What an example for us. We all know that we doubt sometimes. We doubt our abilities - God will use you - God will use me. Let us allow God full access to every part of our life. Not holding on to controling things our way, but "God, all that I am is yours - help me to give all areas of my life over to you." Name some areas that you know that you need to give to him. Give it to him knowing the truth that he has it - expect that he will take care of it.

May we rejoice for the name of Jesus! Oh happy day!