The Opposers… Jesus had his fair share of fight and jealousy

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people… No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number… Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy – Acts 5:12-17.

It happened with the Early Church; and so it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end. Take heart! Fellow members… ‘Christians’ will be jealous of you and oppose you when a door of opportunity is opened for you. They will bring a case against you and say things to tarnish your character. Like these apostles in the Book of Acts, Jesus had his fair share of fight and jealousy.

And so it is in ministry for anyone in the will of God; doing the extraordinary will result in cliques formed against you. These are members who spend their lifetime in the church finding fault, opposing, attempting to block progress and demeaning the character of fellow members who are leaps and bounds ahead in responding to their call in ministry and sadly ignoring their opposers insecurities.

What is bad enough for these unstable individuals when they try to discredit your character, others who witness their pathetic demise do nothing in defense of those being opposed or persecuted. But in Acts one may take note of what the Pharisee named Gamaliel did, who was a teacher of the law and honoured by all the people. He said, “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 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” – Acts 5:33-39.

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. And guess what? The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name – Acts 5:40-41. So, faithful saints of Jesus Christ, when your fellow members discredit you rejoice and count yourself worthy of suffering as a result of their instability.

Teach me your way, O Lord,
    and lead me on a level path
    because of my enemies.
Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
    for false witnesses have risen against me,
    and they breathe out violence – Ps 27:11-12.

Revelation… The Poetic Book!

The revelation in the form of visions was profound and dramatic, hence the gifted writer of this book of the Bible, apostle John or who may be often referred to as John the Divine was skilful enough to utilize certain symbols representing a special type of writing called an apocalypse. John received four visions which could not be related in any ordinary language for anyone to really understand the magnitude and depth of the situation. John in his writing presents a supernatural and majestic unveiling of God’s eschatological or end time plan. It was a powerful and prophetic revelation to John. The language then had to be powerful, thus he had to find a way to adequately represent the message he wishes to convey to his audience.

The Greek name of Revelation is Apokalypsis (apocalypse), which means to uncover or reveal; it is the revelation of things known only by God. The word apocalypse is associated with catastrophic disasters and events when the world comes to an end. The Book of Revelation is therefore written in an apocalyptic form or genre, which characterizes the use of symbols, numbers and images in the times of persecution. A part of this is connected to the ancient Roman emperor and Satan as the ultimate evil. This method of writing is also used in parts of the Old Testament; one example is the Book of Daniel.

Revelation 1:19 provides a guideline of the layout of the Book – “Now write what you have seen, what is, and what is to take place after this.” Thus, in chapter 1, Christ in the vision to John tells him, firstly, to write what he has already seen; secondly, to the things that are now happening in John’s time – the letters to the seven churches (chapters 2 to 3); and thirdly, what will come later, (chapters 4 to 22).

Chapters 2-3 The letter to the seven churches –  the 7 ages of the church

Chapters 4-5 The rapture

Chapters 6-19:10 The tribulation

Chapter 20:1-6 The Millenium

Chapter 20:10 Satan’s banishment

Chapter 20:11-15 (Chapter 19:11-21) The Final Judgment

Chapter 21-22 The New Heaven and the New Earth

Interesting inspirations as this one, and more from daily devotional – Devotions on the ROCK. The first edition available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1978141696 in print and kindle.

The Giving Relationship

Giving must be that part of our faith and joy which creates a special bond of a closer relationship with God. This makes giving worth the while and not just about fulfilling an obligation, but embracing it as an opportunity to further strengthen that relationship with the one who has provided the means by which you are surviving. So you are blessed to give back in appreciation. Whether, it is by way of earning, receiving monetary gifts to meet your daily needs or fulfilling your purpose in serving others spiritually or through your vocation, when God is recognized as an important partner in the process it make a big difference.

The result is a feeling of great accomplishment  and on reflection it leaves you in awe, often wondering if you were the one who did this! Appears all supernatural, because God was integrally involved in every step of the way through your acknowledgement of Him.

So the next time you give in whatever form, make it special, by recognizing your Partner, and Blessed Provider. In all your ways acknowledge Him!