“Obedience and Opposition“
“We must obey God rather than human beings” Acts 17:29
Usually when we talk about obedience, the struggle is about surrendering your will to God. It’s typically your doubts, fears, and rationale that you need to get out of the way. Once you’ve stopped making it all about you, you may think you’re good to go. However, obedience to God might require you to face opposition from another source.
In chapter 17 of the book of Acts , Peter and the apostles found themselves in a great struggle against the high priest and the Saduccees. Led by jealousy, they were arrested and put in jail for all the work they were doing to minister to the people. While behind bars, they are freed by an angel of the Lord who admonishes them by saying: “Tell the people all about this new life” (v.20). Essentially, their obedience to God caused them to face opposition which spurred more obedience.
What we see in this story is obedience that causes believers to defy the authorities. As if Peter and the apostles had not already been chastised and warned, they were commissioned to go up against the authorities a second time when the angel of the Lord appeared to them. It is important to note, that this decision to occupy the temple courts is not one that Peter came up with on his own. He could only go knowing it was the angel of the Lord who commissioned him. Moreover, Peter and the apostles did not break the law in any way, they were simply ministering in public – a harmless act that these authorities disliked.
When we are obedient to God, we are protected while doing His work regardless of the threats and dangers we may face. People will try to intimidate you in different ways to discourage you from ministering. Yet, know that when God is truly calling you to reach His people, He will make the way, and reaffirm what you should do. It was the angel of the Lord who opened the doors of the jail which allowed Peter and the apostles to escape. No one else could have had the power and authority to grant them that release. And, it was through their release that they were given access to continue doing the work they were commissioned to do. When you are truly obedient to God, nothing and no one can keep you bound. God will always give you a way out.
Reflection: What kind of opposition are you facing for being obedient to God? How has God released you to do His work?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for always protecting me. Thank You for always guaranteeing that You are with me, even as I remain obedient to You. God, I thank You for bringing me out of every single jail and reaffirming what You have called me to do. I know that through Jesus, I have overcome all opposition in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Written by Deborah Nimoh
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