The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 30 April 2020 – TOPIC: CUSTODIANS AND ENEMIES OF THE TEMPLE

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DATE: THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
TOPIC: CUSTODIANS AND ENEMIES OF THE TEMPLE
READ: ACTS 4:1-12 (NKJV)

1. Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,
2. being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3. And they laid hands on them, and put [them] in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.
4. However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
5. And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,
6. as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9. “If we this day are judged for a good deed [done] to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,
10. “let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
11. “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
12. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

THE MESSAGE:

The temple guards arrested Peter and John for teaching about Jesus and His resurrection. They were taken to the high priest, Caiaphas, magistrates and elders. It is unfortunate that these men who tried them were Priests and defenders of the law. They were custodians of the temple and yet enemies of the Lord of the temple. This shows that some Church leaders do not want their followers to go beyond spiritual mediocrity and dependence on them; hence, they oppose anyone who tries to enlighten them on the true Gospel. It is also clear that one can obtain the highest titles and positions in the Church and yet be an enemy of the Gospel. Examine yourself today to find out if you are using your position or title to oppose the gospel or children of God around you. Repent before it becomes too late.

It is also worthwhile to note that the disciples in spite of the evident intimidation and poor educational background, were still courteous in speech and unchanging in their message. Peter, in verse 8 spoke under the influence of the Holy Spirit. This is a lesson for some ministers who when intimidated by political, business, religious, legal and educational stalwarts, modify their messages to avoid confrontation. Remain firm and bold in the Gospel and controlled by the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be ever filled with the Holy Spirit and a ready vessel to defend Your Gospel at all times.