Acts 4:1-22 Peter and John Before the Council

The healing of the lame beggar was an indisputable sign from God. There were people who witnessed the healing. There were people who knew firsthand the beggar, who was over forty years old, and his condition. Though many people came to Christ as a result of the miracle (estimated 5,000), some still opposed the message. The priests and the Sadducees were annoyed with the preaching for different reasons. The priests opposed it because they didn't believe in Jesus as the Son of God. The Sadducees opposed it because they did not believe in the resurrection and did not like the proclamation that Jesus had resurrected from the dead. No matter how powerful a sign God may perform in our midst, there will be opposition.

Peter and John, after being arrested, were questioned about their good deed. The officials asked by what power they had performed it. Peter, filled with the Spirit answers that it was in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified, whom God raised from the dead. Now, this is what I call courage and boldness! Knowing that he was arrested by people who hate Jesus and the resurrection, Peter still pounds, without fear, the truth in their faces. This is the kind of courage and boldness I need in this world to make known the message of the kingdom of God.

The message of the kingdom is clear. Jesus Christ is the one killed and resurrected; the stone they rejected and God made him the cornerstone; the salvation of the world. For there is no other name in which we must be saved. Peter not only demonstrated courage and boldness in preaching Jesus' name and his resurrection, but he makes the claim that Jesus is the exclusive savior - there is no other. We think that a message of exclusivity is not accepted today, but in those days, there were many religions and some pagan religions had many gods. To make a claim of exclusivity was counter-cultural, even daring. The gospel of the kingdom does not have room for polytheism (many gods) or syncretism (mix of religions). I need to make a decision about Jesus: Is he or is he not the Savior of the world? If he is, I must proclaim him as the exclusive savior with resolve and unapologetically.

The Spirit of God takes uneducated, common people and transforms them into true witnesses to the world. People who are determined to speak the name of Jesus no matter the cost. Even under threat to speak to no one, they were more concerned with God's perspective - "whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you." What they had witnessed was so life-changing that they could not be silent - "for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Have I truly experienced the saving power of Jesus in my life? If I have, what is holding me back from sharing the greatest thing that has happened in my life? If I fear something, it means I am not filled of the Holy Spirit. I need his fullness today, every day!

Father, send your Spirit and fill me up. May I boldly proclaim the name of your Son Jesus no matter the opposition. Grant me courage and boldness. Amen.

Joshua 21 Cities and Pasturelands Allotted to Levi

The Levites are descendants of Levi, son of Jacob. Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Each one of them formed a clan with responsibilities related to worship. They were considered assistants to the priests (sons of Aaron, also descendants of Levi - Aaron is one of the great grandsons of Levi). In some places in the Bible they are also called priests, but to be distinguished from those who officiated. The Kohathites were to bear the sacred furniture of the tabernacle; the Gershonites, its curtains; and the Merarites its boards, pins, and poles. But they could not approach the holy things and act as priests. During the temple days, they were assigned duties of construction, singing, treasury as well as teaching and judging. They were also in charge of maintaining the cities of refuge.

God wanted to ensure that the promised land would have people serving the community in the area of worship. The amount of people involved in worship is impressive. They were scattered throughout the land making the priesthood and its services pervasive in the land. Interestingly enough, they were not allowed to have property as an inheritance. The property they managed belonged to other tribes, including the cities of refuge. The reason for a lack of inheritance is that God is to be their inheritance. Also, they were to live off the tithes and offerings of the people. Their appointment was from birth and they performed their priestly duties until death.

The establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth is about worship to our King. Today, we gather together as the priesthood of all believers to minister to our God and to one another in worship. One day, the whole earth will worship our King as the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. From the beginnings of Christianity, we see a persecuted Church struggling to survive. But believers came together and shared their resources to ensure its survival. When Christ returns, we will no longer have to struggle for survival on earth because we will reign with him.

I am in awe of the dedication of the Levites. Their whole life was about God's kingdom. My life should be dedicated to the Lord just like that. I am also impressed with the system God instituted to take care of them. I can't understand why people have a hard time tithing and offering to keep ministry going upon the earth. Not only do people struggle to tithe, but many people don't bring the whole tithe to their place of ministry. They decide to spread their tithe among different organizations. No wonder it is so hard to keep the finances of the church at a healthy level to just maintain a building. I must say that today, most churches don't offer retirement benefits and once a minister cannot pastor anymore, he is out on the street with no property and no income. A far cry from the Levitical priesthood.

Father, may I serve you wholeheartedly with dedication and commitment. May I learn to give to sustain your work upon the earth. May I worship you in spirit and truth and promote your glory upon the whole earth. Amen.