and every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. [acts 5:42]
they did not cease
the very thing they were arrested, beaten, and charged not to do—that’s what they did not cease to do! this is an incredible example of walking in step with the Spirit. if they were to walk in the flesh, at the worst they’d run and hide, or at best they’d start teaching in more secret ways, or find creative ways to get the gospel out without opposing the religious rulers. instead, what do they do? they keep obeying God rather than man, knowing first-hand what it could cost them. do not forget, the same Spirit that empowered them abides in the heart of every believer today!
Lord, embolden us to continue obeying you and your word when others oppose us or persecute us. kill the flesh in us that thinks following you is supposed to be easy; convict our hearts for not believing you are worthy to suffer for, and teach us to long to be counted worthy to suffer for your name! you are worthy of more than we could ever give.
~ stephen hall