Nougat 10

Sometimes, it seems that when we choose to place Y’shua at the highest place in our lives, everything comes along to challenge the decision. Take Peter and John for example. They had just begun to walk confidently with the fresh anointing from God’s Spirit in their role as apostles. They made a good choice to stay with Christ and accept the outpouring of God’s Spirit in their lives. When they performed a miracle in Y’shua’s name, trouble found them. They were arrested, then presented with a gag order in exchange for their release. With that caveat, Peter and John needed to decide on their loyalties. Today’s Holy Nougat presents their response.

Acts 4:19-20 CEVDCI

[19] Peter and John answered, “Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him?

[20] We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.”

The Choice

We often say someone is caught between the devil and the deep Red Sea, but Peter and John were caught between grace and normalcy. If they chose normalcy, then they would not need to worry about being harassed by the religious leaders. By choosing grace, they would rely on God to set their agenda thereafter. Either choice came with consequences and the potential for gain. They had to decide which was worth more to them.

Self-Check

How do we make decisions that will affect our future? Are there persons whom we consult? What happens when there’s

a) no time to get that opinion, or

b) the decision affects the one with whom we would consult?

Digging Deeper

Throughout the Bible, several of our heroes and heroines face a major spiritual crossroad. Abraham, Moses, Rebecca, Gideon, Peter, Judas and Mary (the mother of Jesus) are some of those who had to make that choice. As he approached the end of his life, Joshua challenged the children of Israel to make their decision public, noting that he and his family would stick with their decision (see Joshua 24:15) to serve only God. Beside Mary’s choice, it may seem that Joshua did not offer a hard decision. For Mary’s spiritual choice had the potential to cost her everything, including marriage. The Children of Israel seemed to enter a win-win situation – they would have Divine protection and a God in Whom they could trust. Yet sticking to their ‘simple’ choice wasn’t easy for the Children of Israel.

In our various spheres, our choices may be as public as Peter and John’s or as private as Mary’s. And the implications may not be as dire. We note that even the manner of Peter’s response indicates a choice. There was no accusation. For Peter, that was a serious decision. Peter and John’s statement presented their choice as fait accompli, a done deal. They were ready to face any consequences that would arise.

We note that their choice shifted from mere obedience to an act of worship and witness. The disciples stood firm on their decision to testify of Y’shua. No hesitation. Just two guys honouring the wishes of their Rabbi and best friend.

If put to the test, what would our choice be? Would we do the same?

Point to Ponder

What causes us to burn with passion for the Gospel of salvation? Is it enough to say yes to God’s will once more? And can we stick to what we promise? Let us pray for God’s grace to be a credible and willing witness in all situations, at all times.

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May all we seek be found in Christ