"Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" Acts 4:19-20
Peter and John were arrested and imprisoned to shut them up. "Do not teach in the Name of Jesus." "Do not pray in public." "Don't preach the Scriptures!" Sounds familiar? Today many Christians are threatened by authorities who hate the name of Jesus. They still loathe people who pray. They scorn the Bible.
The apostles had no difficulty as to how to respond to threats. Instead, they seemed quite certain what to do and where their loyalty lay. Their commitment cancelled out any other action. They could not and would not silence their testimony.
"We ought to obey God rather than men." They made it clear they found themselves first of all accountable to God, who had exalted Jesus Christ. They said," We are His witnesses of these things and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
"Whether it's right in God's eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there's no question --we can't keep quiet about what we've seen and heard!"
The issue was not whether they should speak or not, but whether they would listen to men or to God. As far as they were concerned they had already made that decision. They decided to listen to God and to obey him.
It was not what was right or wrong in their own eyes but what was right in God's eyes. How did God see their actions? Did God see men with zeal but little wisdom? Did he see civil disobedience, arrogant and lawless? God saw devoted, loyal, humble disciples walking in the light they had received, regardless of where it took them.
Listen to God : My friend, you will have courage to obey him. Let your concern on how God sees your actions be more important to you than on how people around see you.
PRAYER; Lord Jesus, give me faith to listen and to obey the Holy Spirit. I want to do what is right in your sight. I desire to tell others about allI have seen you do for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.