Anyone who has
ever stood their ground against God did not stand for long. It begs the
question, “Why would anyone fight against God?” There are some who fight
against God knowing full well what they are doing. However, there are examples
of those who fight against Him not realizing it is His hand they are against.
An example of
such is found in the early history of the church. The high priest, the scribes,
Pharisees, and Sadducees were fighting against the mighty hand of God. They
wanted the preaching of Jesus to stop. They did everything within their power
to hinder the spread of the gospel.
In Acts chapter
5, we read of the apostles being thrown into prison for their refusal to stop
preaching Jesus and Him crucified (Acts 5:17-21). However, while they were in
prison Luke records, “But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors
and brought them out, and said, ‘Go stand in the temple and speak to the people
all the words of this life.” (Acts 5:19-20)
The next
morning, the officers found the prison doors locked and the guards in place.
However, they apostles were not there. Instead, they found the apostles,
“…standing in the temple and teaching the people!” (Acts 5:25)
All their
effort to hinder the spreading of the gospel was in vain. They were not
fighting against mere men as they supposed. Rather, they were fighting against
the mighty hand of God. As the Lord later told Saul, “It is hard for you to
kick against the goads.” (Acts 9:5)
It is a great
joy for us to know that we are a part of this glorious church today that
belongs to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! There are many forces that will
come against us, but their efforts will all be in vain. They are not fighting
against us as they suppose, but they too are fighting against the mighty hand
of God.
Therefore, as
we face various obstacles in the church today, we must never become
discouraged. It is our God that fights for us. Over the centuries, man has
tried to silence those who profess faith in the Almighty. Their efforts have
all failed. They have not yet learned they are not fighting against man, but
against God.
Remember the
advice that Gamaliel gave to the counsel. He said, “And now I say to you, keep
away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of
men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it –
lest you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)
Therefore, let
us never lose heart. We stand on the winning side. We stand with God.
God Bless each
of you,
Eric Hicks
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