SOME GOOD ADVICE
Acts 5:37-41 NKJ
37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
The apostles are back in hot water again. God was doing amazing miracles, and people were being added to the Lord in large numbers. This made the Jewish leaders angry, and they threw the apostles in jail. Then an angel comes and breaks them out of jail and tells them to go stand in the temple and speak the words of this life. That jailbreak was just another of the miracles taking place. But the apostles get arrested again.
Peter and the other apostles tell the Jewish council that they are going to obey God and not men. Their answer made the council so angry they were plotting to kill the apostles. Then, a wise leader called Gamaliel asked for the apostles to be put out of the room. Gamaliel warned the Jews to be careful what they did to Peter and the other apostles. His advice was sound.
“If this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;” Gamaliel was citing instances where men had led movements against Rome. Many people were involved until the leaders were killed, then the movements died, and the people were dispersed. And here is where Gamaliel’s advice shined, “but if it is of God, you can not overthrow it - lest you be found to fight against God.” There was some real wisdom in those words. If it is from men, it won’t amount to much. If it is from God, you cannot stop it. The council agreed with Gamaliel, beat the apostles, threatened them, and let them go. The apostles left the council rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. That is a very strong approach to persecution.
APPLICATION
Gamaliel’s advice still works today. I am reluctant to criticize other churches and ministers for this very reason. If it is of men, it won’t amount to much. If it is from God, then far be it from me to fight against it. I do not want to be found fighting against God.
I have felt that way about The Ark Church, despite my being green as a pastor when the church started. Despite my mistakes and shortcomings, the church has thrived. Not because of me but because the idea and the plan, and the work are of God. I have no problem stating that. The survival rate of new church plants making it even to the ten-year mark is low. And we had no backing and no funding. The church was started with two other couples and $1,500.00 that Joy and I had in our savings. But if it is of God it will work. So, I am very grateful for what the Lord has done with His church. And I am confident about the future, knowing that what God has started, He is able to sustain. And as the psalmist said, God’s tender mercies are over all His works.
And this principle is not just for churches. What is of God can thrive regardless of what people think or circumstances try to dictate. In businesses, relationships, careers and ministries God’s plans work and God’s plans are the best.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see where You are working in my life. If I am following Your plan things can work out well.