June 5, 2008 - Acts 5:42

“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.” Acts 5:42.
This growing band of followers of Jesus met whenever they could. They gathered in the temple courts and in the homes of fellow followers. They had boldness in telling the story of Jesus to any and to all who would listen. After coming through a period of suffering at the hands of the religious authorities, they entered into a time of excitement and growth. Even though they were still ordered not to proclaim this name, the followers of Jesus spoke out in the open to anyone who would listen, “teaching and proclaiming” the good news that the Messiah had come. It must have been an exciting time.
The seriousness of their commitment to follow Jesus had been tested. God had used the religious authorities to forge this small band into fully devoted and committed followers. They demonstrated that they would walk through any trial or physical torture and stay true to their Master, Jesus. Their passion and fire had come to the surface, and it was white hot with energy that was now generating a fresh excitement for gathering and proclaiming the good news concerning Jesus. They were serious!
I am challenged to consider how white hot – how passionate – I am about following Jesus. I must admit that I have never been persecuted or tortured because of my faith in Jesus as they had, so I am not certain whether I would be able to stand firm in its face. And I am additionally challenged to consider where my passions are. Do I love Jesus and something or someone else? How sold out am I, for I know that if I am not sold out, it could be less likely that I will stand firm in the face of trial.
Questions to consider: Where do my passions lie? Am I so excited about my Master that I would withstand whatever slander, ostracizing, or persecution that comes my way? How sold out am I for Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be sold out for You? Help me to not have any divided loyalties, so that I can be a fully devoted follower of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.