"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done."
Remembering my youth, there are many things that stick out in my memory. Things that molded and made me the person I am today. I recollect being praised for doing something right. But, more than anything, I remember being punished for doing things wrong!
Peter and John were being scrutinized by the "rulers, elders and scribes" looking for anything they could prosecute them for. 1 John 3:13 says "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." The disciples of CHRIST from this time period were not the most liked people in society.
We should not be alarmed when our lifestyles are contrary to what the world approves. In John 15:18 JESUS says "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you."
The world hates JESUS because HE is GOD's SON! As far back as Adam and Eve, man has had a desire to "do what he wanted" rather than what GOD created them to do.
Peter and John had done nothing worthy of punishment. Scripture says in verse 21 "finding nothing how they might punish them"! All they were "guilty" of was NOT putting their earthly desires before the desires of The SPIRIT! "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God" was as loud an indictment that could be made against the High Priest and scribes!
GOD is calling us to "stand out" as an example to a world that is on a path to destruction. FATHER, help me be a LIGHT that shines bright for YOUR KINGDOM!
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