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by Sandy Shaw
In our journey through the Book of Acts, we have studied that serious incident in Acts Chapter 4 where Peter and John had been thrown into prison, because they had healed that crippled man in his 40's, in the Name of the Risen and Living Lord Jesus Christ.
They were put on trial before the Sanhedrin, which included some of the wealthiest and most influential folk in Jerusalem.
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, is reasonable, respectful, in control, and factually and challengingly points to Jesus Christ.
It may have a 'romantic ring' about it to be on trial for your faith in Jesus, but let me assure you it is not! This same courtroom which had tried Jesus Himself, realises that these men are men of courage. They were not academically educated, but they had been with Jesus.
People today place much emphasis on what is called education, and being with Jesus is almost totally ignored and overlooked. I am not against education, but I am FOR being with JESUS. The people in the Court recognised that Peter and John were different - courageous, bold, powerful and gracious.
How do we measure up in the light of this passage? These lawyers are distressed and disturbed, as the healed man stands alongside Peter and John. They cannot deny the facts.
We too face people who will deny the facts. "What ARE we going to do?" That was their question as they met in closed session. They issued threats, to which Peter and John replied. They wanted to punish them, because people were praising God.
Peter and John would not be bullied. Their programme was not going to be determined and decided by men, by but GOD. That is important. They knew Christianity is exclusive, and they were not going to fall at the first hurdle. If they had given in at that point, succumbed to the pressures of men and compromised the commission of Jesus Christ, the enemy would have been victorious.
There are various moments when faith is at a crossroad, and we have to make a decision to stand. We see here men of God under such pressure refusing to be silenced.
They knew this was the only faith which could offer forgiveness, mercy, cleansing, love, power and peace. Much was at stake. How often do we face circumstances when much is at stake and we have to stand for Jesus Christ?
Peter and John refused to be bullied. That is seldom an easy road to walk, but when Jesus says "Follow Me", it is part of the disciple's experience.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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