THURSDAY January 12, 2023
Willingly Denying the Truth
And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
Acts 4:14-17
The religious leaders knew two indisputable truths: Peter and John, even though uneducated, had been with Jesus, and this crippled man standing with them had been healed. Peter and John had been with Jesus for 3½ years, walking with Him, and learning from Him. They were in the greatest seminary, because they were educated by Jesus Himself.
Knowing a miracle had taken place in the name of Jesus, a discussion among the leaders ensued. What on earth were they going to do? How could they keep Jesus’ disciples’ lips closed? Instead of believing in Christ, they willingly denied the knowledge of the truth. Why fight against the truth? It was right there before them. It had happened in Jesus’ name!
These men took steps to be in agreement with each other. They strictly forbade Peter and John to speak in the name of Jesus, or they would find themselves in deep trouble. Yet they were the ones in a dilemma. Being blinded by their hatred of Jesus made them enemies of God. What is the end of such men who suppress the truth? Romans 1:18-19 tells us:
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth
in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God
is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
Do you suppress God’s truth or spread the truth of God?
The true follower of Christ will not ask. “If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?” Rather he will say, “This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!”
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
