Thurs., 7/18/19 Devotion (Acts 5:38-39)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 5:38 & 39, where Gamaliel gave this good advice to the religious council that was trying to figure out what to do with the apostles and their preaching:

"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."

Gamaliel was right. All the religious plans and works of men, which are not wrought of the Holy Spirit, come to nothing, and are worthless. On the other hand, where God is working through His redeemed church—nothing can be done to stop Him. Fighting against God is the most futile thing in the world. An ant has a better prospect for victory over an elephant, than a sinner has against the Holy God.

In light of all this, our only reasonable response is to joyfully submit to Christ by faith; and to be enthusiastic members of His conquering kingdom (church) in this world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ, by what He has done in the work of re-demption, has overthrown Satan, and utterly frustrated him as to this end [of robbing God of His glory].” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "The Wisdom of God"]