Read Acts 5:27-33, Ps. 34:2,9,17-20, John 3:31-36
“And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” (Acts 5:27-29)
Despite the threats, the arrest, and the oppression from the authorities, the apostles were determined not to stop the good work of proclaiming Jesus Christ in obedience to the divine mandate of Jesus:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20).
The last line of this mandate is worth emphasizing because it explains why the disciples were so bold and fearless in challenging the authorities. They kept reminding themselves of Jesus’ assurance: “I am with you always, to the end of the end of the age.”
In our Gospel passage today, Jesus says to Nicodemus. “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God rests upon him.” In other words, there are dire consequences for disobeying God.
The truth is that nobody likes to be disobeyed. But then, the choice is ours to make as to who to disobey; whether to disobey men and suffer persecution as a result or to disobey God and face His wrath.
If it comes to that point when we have to choose who to obey, let us remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28 “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, deepen my trust in your protection that I may fearlessly walk in your light. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Thursday of the 2nd week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 5:27-33, Ps. 34:2,9,17-20, John 3:31-36)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu