[Acts 5, Proverbs 10]

H – Acts 5:29–32, “[29] But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. [30] The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. [31] God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [32] And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.””

E – Obedience!

Peter and the apostles were watching God do a great work through the boldness of their testimony. People were being saved, sick were being healed, and others were continually bringing friends to hear of this Jesus. However, there were a group of religious leaders called the Sadducees who had rejected all claims of the resurrection. This group could not stand the testimony of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. Therefore, they had the apostles locked up. However, you can’t stop God’s plan and He miraculously freed the apostles and commanded them to continue speaking to all the people the words of Life (5:20). 

Upon witnessing this the Sadducees demanded the apostles to stop speaking. But, they reminded these deviants that their obedience was not to them but God (5:29). It’s interesting to look at the progression of obedience in the highlighted passage and what comes with it. 

Genuine Obedience to Jesus as Lord leads to Repentance; Repentance produces Forgiveness; Living in Light of His Forgiveness gives Testimony; Testimony produces Power from His Holy Spirit. It’s all wrapped up in and through obedience. 

If you want the Holy Spirit. It’s given to those who Obey Him (5:32). 

A – Obedience should be the desire of a believer. It should be my desire. Obedience begins with my confession that Jesus is Lord and leads to a life that pursues Him with everything. Make Jesus my priority. 

R – Lord God, Thank you for giving me an opportunity to obey you, despite the many times that   I have failed. You are the God of countless second chances and I praise you for that. Lord, I desire obedience. Lead me through conviction and may I respond by repentance. Lord, I love you and I praise you for Who you Are. 

In Jesus Name!