Tag: false witnesses
Resisting the Holy Spirit
Scripture reading for January 31st: Acts 6, Psalm 22, Proverbs 22
Acts 6:8-12 “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”
Stephen was one of the first deacons, chosen by the apostles to help with the ministry needs of the early church. He was full of grace and power because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. This was and should be a requirement of all in church leadership and serving positions. He spoke with God’s wisdom in the power of the Holy Spirit. This brought opposition from some of the Jews and other Gentiles. These who opposed him secretly instigated opposition and false witnesses who made untrue claims concerning Stephen. They accused him of opposing the temple, Law, and customs of Moses. They mocked him and scoffed at him and falsely accused him even as Stephen had graciously spoken God’s wisdom. They were resisting the Holy Spirit, as Jesus also had encountered and those scoffers are still with us today.
Psalm 22:6-7 “But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for discernment of spirits, to help me know if a spirit or the Holy Spirit is speaking to me. Thank You for reminding me through Your Word that Jesus, the apostles and believers will be attacked and opposed by Satan and those still in darkness of sin. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and gracious words of wisdom or silence to refute the lies and present Your gracious Good News to them.
Proverbs 22:17-18 “Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.”
Fulfilment of Scripture
Scripture reading for February 10th: Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 30, Proverbs 8:27-32
“Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested Him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” ” Matthew 26:50b-54)
Immediately after Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, the soldiers and religious leaders stepped forward and arrested Jesus. Peter reacted boldly by drawing his sword and nearly did away with a man, cutting off his ear. Luke records that Jesus touched this servant’s ear and healed him immediately. (Luke 22:51) Jesus rebuked his disciple, telling him to put the sword away. Jesus assured Peter and the others that He had the power and ability to call for angelic help at any time. However, Jesus had spent the night in prayer and had wrestled through his own fears and desire to have the cup of sin and suffering removed. He had submitted to God’s will. (Matthew 26:36-39) How else would the Scriptures be fulfilled? Jesus was the “Word” made flesh and honored His Father by keeping and fulfilling the sacred and holy Scriptures. (John 1:14)
After addressing the crowd there in the Garden and rebuking those who came at night to arrest Him, He finished by telling them all that “this all had taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” (Matthew 26:56) Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12) Zechariah 13:7 is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 26:31, concerning striking the shepherd and the sheep being scattered. False witnesses were brought to accuse Him. (Psalm 27:12, 35:11) Jesus was to be offered as the sacrifice for our sins, remaining silent before those who accused Him. (Isaiah 53:4-12) He would be given a grave with the rich in His death. He would be resurrected–seeing the light of life! He would bear the sins of many and be numbered with the transgressors! Scripture must be fulfilled!
Aren’t you thankful that Jesus did not call the legions of angels? Take time today to thank Him for His faithfulness!