Tag: Psalm 22:6-7
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.”
Condemned and spit upon!
Scripture reading for February 4th: Mark 14
Key Scriptures: Mark 14:60-65 “And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have You no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against You? But He remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard His blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned Him as deserving death. And some began to spit on Him and to cover His face and to strike Him, saying to Him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received Him with blows. ”
Mark used Peter as one of his sources of the details of passion week events. The betrayal of Jesus by Judas and the subsequent denial of Peter and all the disciples was a shameful part of the story. This record of Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin shows how Jesus was falsely accused by false witnesses and remained silent before His accusers. When asked directly if He was the “Christ”, Jesus spoke the truth very plainly and simply. This declaration of Messiahship and prophetic announcement to those sitting in judgment brought immediate condemnation for blasphemy and acts of disrespect. They spit upon Him and covered His face and turned Him over to abusive Roman guards. All this was in the plan of God to bring about salvation for all who would humbly repent and believe!
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: . . .”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I am humbled by the scorn and harsh treatment You received. Even Judas betrayed You and the other disciples denied knowing you. This was all before the crucifixion. Thank You for Your sacrifice. Use Me however You want to proclaim Your love and mercy.
Isaiah 53:3, 7 “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces.” . . . .”He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not his mouth.”