Counted Worthy

Acts 5:41-42
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

The apostles had been arrested, but the angel of the Lord opened the doors and brought them out. And He charged them to go to the temple and speak the words of life to the people, and they promptly obeyed! Another powerful miracle! When the council discovered they were not in prison, they had them brought before them again. When the high priest questioned them again, he reminded them that they were charged not to teach about Jesus. Once again Peter and the apostles answered, We must obey God rather than man.  When they heard the apostle's answer, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. How much hatred they had for Jesus! Their hearts must have been so hard!

Gamaliel intervened encouraging them to take care. He wanted them to keep away from these men, for if this undertaking is of man, it will fail, but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might be even found apposing God! What sage advice! God even worked through one of the council's own members to preserve their lives! So the council took his advice, called the apostles to them, beat them, and charged them once again to refrain from speaking about Jesus. What was the response of the apostles? Did they feel they should not speak? Did they think they should change their plan of action? No, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name! They praised God and continued in the temple and from house to house. They did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus Christ! God was to be obeyed over men!!

Father,
Give me this boldness to spread Your words. Open my eyes to the people You have put in my life.
In Jesus name,
Amen