“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him.., and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’ And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.
“Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought…
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him…’
“Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” Acts 5:17-21,27-32,41-42
The apostles, imprisoned for their message and marvelous deeds, were filled with the Holy Spirit and could not be stopped. Jealousy and fear might have caused attempted suppression, but the Lord in them was more powerful than any human effort. Once supernaturally freed from their incarceration, compelled by the message of this Life, they proclaimed the gospel, and boldly defended their obedience to God over man. Theirs was a calling higher than government or ordinance or the rage of man would hinder.
When all the words of this Life are a treasure to us, we cannot be hindered in letting others know. Even if ‘imprisoned’ in difficult circumstances, we will sing. Even if trapped by a full schedule we can’t seem to escape, we will take opportunities to share. Like a waterfall pushing its way through and over frozen snow, the Word has a force of its own that makes its way forward in the most bitter life landscapes. This Life, the very gift of salvation and freely offered forgiveness from sin that we do not deserve, and abundance of life now and forever we cannot make, is indeed the substance of unstoppable good news! (John 3:16; 10:10; Acts 16:19-31)
Do we delight in this life we have been given? If we are not often rejoicing, we likely have too high a view of self, and too low of God. Have we forgotten who we were apart from Him? Are we not not consumed with His greatness, mercy, goodness, and love? Take time to relish His amazing sacrifice and ongoing faithfulness, and I will surely want to tell all the words of Life. With whom will I share today?
Lord, keep me ever captive to Your call. Loosen my tongue to speak all the words of Your Life, and mine in You, to the praise of Your glory.
As the rain and snow 