The Way, Truth and the Life

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY JUNE 19, 2020

In Jesus time there were many skeptics, probably due to the fact that there were various figures with followings claiming to be of God.  But in every case it became evident that they were just humans with limited abilities and their followers each fell by the wayside.  After  Pentecost, many signs and wonders were being done among the people of Christ through the apostles, and believers were being added in great numbers. The Sadducees  saw the enormous number of followers and became jealous and concerned and arrested the apostles. The Jewish council met to  consider killing them  But a particular Pharisee named Gamaliel who was well respected by his peers, reminded the council of other’s with followings who died and each time their followers disbanded. He tells them in Acts 5:35-39:

5 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

The Apostles were released and “rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name”(41).  They could not stop and were found sharing Christ story every day after this. It was clearly of God as 2,000 years later the faith continues. The story endured with each generation and now it is our turn to be a part of this incredible story and to pass  it along to  a world filled with chaos and confusion. For we have the solution to all of life’s troubles. We personally know a Savior who died for our sins…yet He lives at the right hand of the Father and because He lives…we too will live. Share this story today to those who feel lost and afraid, lonely and scared—for He is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14: 6). Have a blessed day.