Boldness or an easy life?
Six weeks previously the religious leaders crucified Jesus. The same leaders threaten the apostles. What is their response in prayer to God? "Lord, change the heart of these men"? "Lord, make a way for us to share the gospel without getting in trouble"? "Lord, remove these leaders from their position of authority"?
No, their prayers is "consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." They saw that boldness was more important than an easy life. When your saviour has had the worst done to him and it didn't stop the power and purpose of God you can rest in the knowledge that man can do nothing to stop God's purpose. With that in mind all we need is boldness.
Admitedly its a big "all we need" but it is all we need. Yes we should pray "Lord consider the threats" and let God deal with the opposition. But the prayer for us is "enable us to speak with great boldness". Or are worried that God would answer this prayer?
No, their prayers is "consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." They saw that boldness was more important than an easy life. When your saviour has had the worst done to him and it didn't stop the power and purpose of God you can rest in the knowledge that man can do nothing to stop God's purpose. With that in mind all we need is boldness.
Admitedly its a big "all we need" but it is all we need. Yes we should pray "Lord consider the threats" and let God deal with the opposition. But the prayer for us is "enable us to speak with great boldness". Or are worried that God would answer this prayer?
