January 17, 2008 - Acts 4:3

“They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.” Acts 4:3.
The religious authorities took notice that there were riot-like conditions right outside the Temple, so they stepped in to deal with the problem. They did so, realizing that, if they did not, the Roman authorities might step in and deal with the situation, using much harsher methods. Besides, these men (Peter and John) were stirring up the crowd with their talk about this Jesus, who had been crucified and was now, supposedly, raised from the dead. It was a very nervous and stressful situation for these leaders, so they dealt with the situation in the best manner they could, given the circumstances. Or, at least, so they thought.
Peter and John had just been involved in the healing of a man who had been crippled from birth, and were now speaking to the assembled crowd about the One in whose name this man had been healed. To them, it was not a “mob” that had gathered to create a disturbance, but an opportunity to tell the story of their Master, Jesus. Yet, the religious authorities were worried, and I must admit that if I was in their situation, I would have joined them. From the security of their situation, these two men threatened the balance and stability of their positions, be that as it may under the strong-armed rule of the Romans.
Peter and John were responding out of their devotion to their Master, while the authorities were trying to protect their positions. There is a strong sense of self-preservation or protection within each of us, unless we are “sold out” to something or someone. Peter and John went to jail for being “sold out.”
Questions to consider: How “sold out” are you? How far are you willing to go for your “sold out” position? To jail, if necessary? To death? How much does self-preservation and self-protection influence you, regardless how tenuous that may be? What is your response or challenge to these thoughts/questions?
Prayer: God, help me to see when I am seeking to preserve and/or protect myself. Give me courage to be a “sold out” follower of Your Son. Amen.