SCRIPTURE
The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: "The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus."
Acts 5:41-42
OBSERVATION
The disciples suffered all kinds of trials for their faithful preaching of the Gospel. They wee imprisoned, judged, reprimanded, and flogged. What a contrast when comparing them with the attitude of the Israelites when leaving Egypt and suffering in the desert. Instead of being discouraged, the disciples rejoiced in their sufferings and considered themselves in a high place of honor with God as they felt dishonored by men for preaching the gospel. They did not stop doing what was right! They continued preaching the message of hope boldly, not only privately in their homes, but also publicly at the Temple.
APPLICATION
Living under the freedoms America holds dear, we may not be persecuted like the early disciples did when proclaiming the message of hope. But still the enemy of our souls will find a way to discourage us from proclaiming the good news. Accusations of lack of depth in my preaching has come in the past, comes in the present and will continue coming in the future. Criticism, weather is good intended or not, has the potential to discourage me or to spur joy. Still, no matter how experienced I get, accusation and criticism has a negative effect on me. It may try to steal away my confidence. But God's Word comes to the rescue and reassures me of my assignment. I know that I'm not the best speaker and that I will never be as brilliant and eloquent like some others. But I know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. This week I started to feel down because of some recent criticisms, but quickly the Lord turned the whole ting into an opportunity to rejoice. My sufferings for preaching the Gospel are small compared to what other brothers and sisters are suffering in other parts of the world. I can take the criticism and use it to rejoice before God!
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me of my assignment to feed your sheep, even when some of them don't like what I give them. I receive people's well intended criticism to become a better preacher and I rejoice in the fact that my sufferings, as small as they are, are going to encourage me to do a better job, to be more creative, more effective, and more resourceful to proclaim the most important message that there is. Amen!
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