Wednesday February 16, 2022

Today is Wednesday, February 16, and this week we are exploring what the Bible says about counting the costs.

As I enter a time of solitude with God, I slow my breathing and silence a constant stream of distracting thoughts. I endeavor to focus my whole being upon God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Precious Lord, you are always with me even though I am often unaware of your abiding presence. Teach me how to pray, to not only speak but also to listen. Show me what it means to count the costs of living a life of deeper discipleship and service in your kingdom. Amen.

I praise God for his help and sustenance with the ancient words of Psalm 54.

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good. You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes. Psalm 54:4,6-7

Pause and Pray

In Acts chapter 5, the apostles perform miracles, signs and wonders. They heal many people (Acts 5:12-16). The believers meet daily at Solomon’s Colonnade – a porch on the eastern side of the Temple’s outer court where gatherings were often held. Despite ridicule and danger, there are many new Christian converts. People bring the lame and sick from surrounding villages and countryside for healing. As a result of this rising attention, the apostles are persecuted (Acts 5: 17-42). They are arrested and jailed, but during the night an angel opens the doors and brings them out to freedom. At daybreak they are back at it – preaching and teaching Jesus as the Messiah undaunted by the threats of the authorities. The Sanhedrin, which is the full assembly of the elders of Israel, brings the apostles to them. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in Jesus’ name.” Peter answers, “We must obey God rather than men!” The leaders are infuriated and want to kill them. A highly respected and revered rabbi Gamaliel reasons them out of that decision.

His (Gamaliel’s) 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. 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 Messiah. Acts 5:40-42

There is a cost to being a disciple of Jesus. The apostles are about to be sentenced to death. They are called back in, flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. The apostles leave with their lives, but not without suffering. Thirty-nine lashes killed many prisoners. They surely experienced great pain and yet left the Sanhedrin rejoicing. I try to imagine myself alongside the apostles, I had been speaking the truth about Jesus and publicly teaching others in his name. The authorities come and I am arrested and jailed for talking about Jesus, for claiming he is the Messiah. I fear for my life. The authorities are so angry, they want the death penalty for me. I am dragged out and my back is flogged with a whip, breaking the skin, a bloody mess. I cannot imagine my response would be joy. In my lifetime I have not suffered for proclaiming the truth of Jesus. I have not known disgrace for being a believer. Despite the extreme warnings and consistent persecution, the apostles “never stopped” teaching and proclaiming the good news.

Ask: How often do I teach and proclaim the good news that Jesus is the Messiah? What have I endured for the gospel?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord and Savior, thank you for the witness of the apostles. I regret my lack of courage to proclaim your truth to others. I confess that I sometimes fear I will be criticized, ridiculed or rejected on account of my faith in you. I ask that the Holy Spirit grant me courage to teach and proclaim the good news that you are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. I hope to be counted worthy of suffering for your name. I read the words from Acts again and listen for the message you have for me.

His (Gamaliel’s) 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. 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 Messiah. Acts 5:40-42

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God desires my dialogue of prayer with him even more than I do. God teaches me and his Spirit empowers me to pray. I am never left on my own when it comes to prayer. I am invited into an intimate relationship of love and life with the living God. I am ready to learn and listen. I want to hear what God is saying to me and am willing to invest the time to do so. When I consider the image, word or phrase that stands out to me from today’s reading, I try to tie it to my current circumstances. Perhaps this is an answer to prayer. Maybe God wants to reveal something to me, help me learn something, or guide me to a new activity he desires for me. Where in the past have I obeyed man rather than God and how can I correct that in the future?

Pause and Pray

Father God, come into my heart and life. I invite you into my fear, uncertainty, cowardice, and meagerness of spirit. Holy Spirit, come and make me worthy to fulfill the call you have upon my life. Jesus, come and teach me to pray so that I might learn and grow as a disciple. Give me courage to step out of my comfort zone and take risks to share the truth of your love and grace. Amen.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

I leave this time of prayer empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness to the love of Jesus Christ in all I say and all I do.

Amen.