“Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.” (Acts 5:20–21a, ESV)
The angel broke the apostles out of prison. They were free. But the angel had instructions for them. He told them to “go and stand in the temple.” And while they were in the temple they were to share with the people the “words of this Life.”
It is said that if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for everything. God calls us to stand for the kingdom with other followers of Christ. There is nothing better for which to stand.
God frees us for a purpose. He wants us to make a difference. He guides us to serve others. And he invites us to proclaim the gift of salvation. He calls us to “go and stand” just as he called the apostles to “go and stand.” These are not tasks done in bondage, but tasks done in freedom. It changes our mindset!
We are sent. We are commissioned. Just as God told the disciples to go, he gives the same mandate to us.
We are guided. We are guarded. This is God’s work. He is the one who will put the words in our mouths. He will show us where to go. And he will protect us for the task.
We are loved. We are forgiven. There is nothing to earn or to prove before God. He doesn’t love us because we do good things for him. He loves us because of what Jesus did for us.
We are privileged. We are prized. God doesn’t need us to do his work. But he gives us the opportunity take part in his work. Think about that for a moment. You get to do God’s work. There is no higher honor.
It may not be easy to stand for Jesus. The apostles had been arrested for standing for Jesus, but went right back to the place they were previously arrested. They went because they were compelled. They were not compelled by force, but by the love of their Savior and the urgency of their task.
Reflection
- How has God called you to serve the Kingdom and proclaim salvation to others?
- What has hindered you from living more fully on mission for God?
Prayer
Lord, you have given me freedom. You have freed me from captivity to sin and death. You have given me a new life to live and to serve you. Give me wisdom, the courage, and the motivation to share your love and your light with others. As the apostles were sent into the temple to make know “this Life,” send me where you will send me. Amen.
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