Unstoppable! 'The One Whom We Obey' — Acts 5:26-29

Thursday, March 14, 2024

The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. "We gave you strict orders never again to teach in [Jesus'] name!" he said. "Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!"

But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."

— Acts 5:26-29 NLT

Key Thought

What is the key "must" in our lives? What is the call of God upon our hearts and our actions at this moment in our personal histories? We can answer this question in many different ways based on our life circumstances: making it right when we have wronged someone, courage if we are afraid, tenderness when we minister to broken people. There are, of course, many other answers. But, I believe all of us have to agree that the utmost truth for each of us is that "We must obey God rather than any human authority." God's will must be first in our lives, regardless of our circumstances!

Today's Prayer

O Father, in Jesus, you came and found me. Thank you! You brought your peace to my heart through the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Now, I ask, dear Father, that you inspire me to the kind of faith and courage that will help me obey you regardless of the external pressures and the inner temptations that I face. I want to honor you with my heart, soul, mind, and actions. Through the intercession of Jesus, who knows me and my world, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 15:13
  • Jude 1:24-25

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 5:26-29 NLT — The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. "We gave you strict orders never again to teach in [Jesus'] name!" he said. "Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!" But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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