In today’s readings we see the importance of what the apostles prayed for earlier – boldness to declare the gospel & obedience to God.
In our early church history, we see great courage from Peter & the other apostles. They both declare the gospel without compromise & clearly convict the religious leaders. Demonstrating that they take seriously their need to obey God rather than human authority. Even in the penultimate verse, the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Him.
Given the desire of Sanhedrin to kill the apostles for what they have dared to say, it is good to hear the comfort of today’s song. Our psalm celebrates that God our Father watches out for His children, the righteous. He will deliver them from all the troubles they will face (no promise that they won’t have trouble or afflictions). Even if we do not feel sure that we are righteous or obedient to Him, we can take comfort in His promised closeness to the broken hearted or crushed in Spirit.
In the gospel, John the Baptist teaches us about the difference between a heavenly perspective and earthly thinking. Faith in the Son of God is essential. We must accept the gospel, the testimony about Him. But notice the last verse. Such belief is explained further by the contrast. Rather than saying those who do not believe, John refers to them as “whoever disobeys the Son will not see life”. Our faith should lead to obedience or it is not faith as Jesus means it.
ACTION: Today, take courage and act on an opportunity to speak of Jesus and the gospel. Do not be intimidated by others or the situation. Obey the prompting of the Spirit of Christ.
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