Friday 28, August 2026

We’ve heard of people caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, meaning they’re at a crossroads with two untenable options. I believe the phrase should be “the devil and the deep red sea,” referring to the opening journey of the Exodus. If so, pharaoh would be the devil. But what if our decision is between human will and God’s directive? More in Today’s Holy Nougat.

Acts of the Apostles 5:40-41 CEB

[40] After calling the apostles back, they had them beaten. They ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, then let them go.

[41] The apostles left the council rejoicing because they had been regarded as worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of the name.

Choosing God

The Sanhedrin had the apostles whipped as a warning of what was in store for disobedience. It was clearly a demonstration of power over. In response, the apostles rejoiced. What a contradiction! Yet, the action of the apostles was appropriate.

Self-Check

If caught in that kind of life-or-death situation, would we do likewise? Why?

Application

Often, the mental picture we form of Christianity is one of comfortable, content, and possibly fat sheep. In that picture, we tend to focus on the calm pastoral scene, and assume the sheep face no harm. To some extent, the picture is correct. But it’s not the entire story. That mental picture also should include the dangers: rocky crags, predators, and still waters. The danger might not always be visible to the sheep, but they are there.

The inclusion of this whipping and warning in our Nougat tells us that choosing Christ comes at personal cost. A Christian who has never faced threats of any kind – be it persecution, peril, demons, danger, hardship, terminal illness, grief/loss, imprisonment, censorship, pain, or defamation – is likely to be extremely young in the faith. Romans 8:35-39 reminds us that these are part of the package when we accept the call to follow Christ.

But the picture doesn’t end with the threats. For we know that sheep are scarcely without a shepherd. In our case, the Good Shepherd is with us always. When the Good Shepherd is added to that mental picture, with the rod and staff in hand, we have the assurance that we are blessed (see Matthew 5:3-12), and it is well. In light of that knowledge, clarified by God’s indwelling Spirit, we are able to give praise as the apostles did. Yes, they praised God for the opportunity to face persecution in Christ’s name.

I’m not saying that we wouldn’t initially yield to fear, panic or self-pity. Many of us would. But if we stay the course, especially having counted the cost and intentionally asked God for boldness, we will find that what makes for prosperity isn’t all that glitters. To be blessed is to prosper spiritually, and that bed of roses ain’t always without thorns. What makes the marked difference is the blessed assurance that, like Job, God deems us worthy of facing trials.

So, when at the crossroads of trials and obedience, between human will and God’s plans, my prayer is that we choose wisely, having counted the cost.

Point to Ponder

Christ urges us to deny ourselves, take up the cross [daily], and follow Him. What will our response be?

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May all we seek be found in Christ