🕊️ PRAY HERE Devotion 🕊️ Why Are They So Mad? Pt 1

Scripture: Acts 5:15–18

Devotion: Have you ever seen people get mad when something good happens to or through someone else?

For example, a person starts a ministry that is genuinely helping people heal, grow closer to God, and change their lives: but instead of supporting it, some people criticize it, gossip about it, and secretly hope it fails.

Or imagine someone feeding the homeless, helping struggling families, and praying for people publicly, but instead of rejoicing, others become irritated because they are getting attention and making an impact.

Whew!

Things like jealousy, arrogance, selfishness, and ignorance can cause this foolish kind of anger.

Now let’s look at today’s scripture.

Here we are within the same year of Pentecost, and the Apostles Peter, John, and the other leaders were going strong in the work of the Lord.

Multitudes of sick and troubled people came to them, and all who came were healed.

PRAISE GOD!!!!

This is a GOOD thing.

So why are the High Priest and the Sadducees mad?

How could they be upset about people being healed, miracles being performed, the hungry being fed, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ being preached?

What is there to be mad about, right?

It seems very backwards for RELIGIOUS LEADERS to be upset by work that they should also have been a part of.

Instead, the Bible says they were filled with jealousy.

They did not like that this new doctrine had spread all throughout Jerusalem.

Now let’s think about our current world.

We still see similar things today.

Sometimes people become angry when God starts using someone else powerfully.

Why?

Because it can make them feel threatened.

These religious leaders probably felt a loss of power, influence, and importance. It may have even affected them financially. And honestly, they were probably embarrassed too.

Instead of humbling themselves and embracing what God was doing, they fought against it.

The High Priest had the apostles thrown into jail.

Whew!

Imagine being punished for helping people.

But please be encouraged and do not find it strange if you experience this kind of opposition, ridicule, or disapproval while doing the work of the Lord.

The apostles did not do anything wrong but obey God.

Their obedience resulted in Kingdom growth, souls being saved, bodies being healed, and people receiving help…

But it also brought unnecessary attacks.

And sometimes your greatest attacks will come while you are doing your greatest work for God.

Remain prayerful.

Remain steadfast.

Remain unmovable.

Always abound in the work of the Lord.

No matter who comes against you, God will take care of you.

Please come back tomorrow for Part 2.

God bless you!

Prayer: Father God, help me to remain encouraged, strong, and obedient even when I face opposition for doing what is right. Lord, remind me that attacks and criticism do not mean I am outside of Your will. Give me strength to continue the work You have called me to do without fear, bitterness, or discouragement. Help me to stay humble, prayerful, and focused on pleasing You instead of people. And Lord, I also pray for those who come against me while I am doing Your work. Touch their hearts, remove jealousy and pride, and let Your love and truth reach them too. Keep me steadfast and unmovable in You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.