Verse of the Day 6/23
Acts 5:20-21 "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of thisLife." 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. English Standard Version (ESV)
Today's verses came up in the read through the New Testament plan that I am following. As I read the verses, especially the part where the Apostles followed the angels commands and spoke to the people "all the words of this life", I couldn't help but think of what has recently taken place in Charleston. In this passage the apostles faced persecution, arrest and yes hatred for what and for Whom they believed in.
I also could not help but think of the family and congregation of the 9 people who were killed in their church in Charleston SC. Having been the victims of hate, having family and loved ones killed at the hands of someone filled with hate, but instead of lashing out in hate, they spoke to him the "words of this life" which include forgiveness and love beyond measure. Teaching may not have been the intention of those who offered forgiveness but the nation was being taught what true faith, true Christianity is about to a country, to a world that is in desperate need of it. It is a life that is found through faith in Christ and living out His Words of life.
I'm reminded of the old hymn that likely has been sung in that same church. Jesus offers pardon and peace to all who will come to Him to receive it.
| 1. Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life; let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life; words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty. Refrain: Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life. Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life. 2. Christ, the blessed one, gives to all wonderful words of life; sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life; all so freely given, wooing us to heaven. (Refrain) 3. Sweetly echo the gospel call, wonderful words of life; offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life; Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever. |
Acts 5:17-23The Message (MSG)
To Obey God Rather than Men
17-20 Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action, arrested the apostles and put them in the town jail. But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out. He said, "Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life."
Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.
21-23 Meanwhile, the Chief Priest and his cronies convened the High Council, Israel's senate, and sent to the jail to have the prisoners brought in. When the police got there, they couldn't find them anywhere in the jail. They went back and reported, "We found the jail locked tight as a drum and the guards posted at the doors, but when we went inside we didn't find a soul."
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