Boldness to Speak

Acts 3:19 ESV

And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding not way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.

Have you ever noticed that threats often work? Lacking any ability at the moment to accomplish what is desired the threat is used to create change that is otherwise unworkable. Weather it is the persistent threat of the American Civil Liberties Union or the National Riffle Association. The bluster and strut of the roster yields the desired end, “don’t tread on me”. This allows millions to be cooed and brought in line by those unable to accomplish it through any other means.

As I come to Peter and James, I am ashamed and brought low. How often have I let the strutting cock win the day? How often have I checked my action because a broken branch, uprooted, and twice dead was swaying in the wind. A few weeks after rejecting Jesus and having him slain on the cross, the rulers and elders and scribes gather to talk and judge men. Peter and James answer the questions boldly and directly. Not hiding behind turn of phrase, half-truths, or fifth amendments. Recognizing that they were commanded to speak this good news to this audience precisely because they were free to do so! The Jesus YOU crucified and rejected, by his name we do this, and by his name and NO OTHER must we be saved!

When commanded to not speak anymore, they do not simply walk out and speak anyway, no they make it plain to all they will continue because the command not to speak was back by an inferior sovereign! No strutting government would stop them from preforming the commandment given to them to “GO and make disciples”, to declare the name of Christ to all nations.

Who commands your tongue? When the Spirit prompts and you feel that uncomfortable thought breaks loose that “you should say something”, what drives you away from opening your mouth? Is it the fear that someone will sue? Maybe you will lose your job? Or perhaps you fear others thinking you stupid, backwards, or uneducated? Which is your sovereign, O’ Christian? The same spirit that rushed upon the prophets, resides in the heart of every Christian. The same spirit that allowed Peter and James to continue to preach until they were martyred. That spirit is in the heart of every Christian. Weather it be the Internal Revenue Service, the School Board, or any plethora of strutting peacocks, let us recognize who is really sovereign and whom we should fear, and it is not those who stand before you now, but him who you will stand before!

“I would not say such things if I were you” are the words of a sniveling prince who can’t control the tongue of a slip of girl who spoke truth into his life, and he has not idea how to silence her. Speak truth into the darkness and let the devil try and figure out how to stop it.

Coram deo