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Acts 5:12 - 21

This passage describes the difficulties the apostles faced in preaching the Gospel and carrying out God's will. The early church experienced the Lord’s power through many miracles performed by the apostles (5:12,15,16). Jesus had told the apostles that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them to be His witnesses (1:8). Sometimes obeying God will put us in a place of danger and harm. But as soldiers of the cross, we must be ready and willing to obey our Commander without hesitation or complaint. The apostles were performing miracles of healing and deliverance, and then got put into prison. The Lord sent an angel to deliver them, and in doing so, they were commanded to “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life” (5:20). That command will surely put them into trouble again. They did not question the command and went to the temple courts at daybreak (5:21). 

Because of their obedience to God, they feared the Lord’s holiness and know that they have the Lord’s power through the Holy Spirit. Whatever the circumstances, nothing could stop the Holy Spirit from guiding people in the work of the Gospel. God was in charge. Similarly, we need to have that same fear of the Lord’s holiness and ask God for this power through the Holy Spirit for us to deny ourselves and take up the cross daily. Obedience to God is a way to not only worship Him, but also to get closer to Him, prepare for whatever He leads us to, and grow as a person. He knows what is best for us and how to grow us to be stronger and followers of Christ. So, let us cultivate good habits and demonstrate to God that we are willing and able to do what he asks of us.

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