This Ain’t Heaven – Part 3

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:13-24

Key Verses: Acts 4:21-22

After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.  For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The rain falls on the good and the bad.” You have heard that old saying many times. Some don’t realize they are quoting the Bible (Matthew 5:45). Yes, Jesus started that old saying. It is a verse in God’s Word that reminds us that God allows life to happen (both good and bad) for everyone. Those who reject God completely have the same privilege of breathing God’s air and using talents that God gave them to make lots of money. The “rain” of material blessing has fallen on Tiger Woods, yet he curses God’s name continually. God doesn’t strike people dead for rejecting Him. On the flip side, Tiger faces the same daily frustrations and moments of anger as any of us.

Money, lots of it, is no more a sign of God’s truest blessings than suffering is a sign of sin. Don’t assume people are blessed by God or being punished by God by judging external circumstances.

In our scripture for today, Peter and John were brought before the courts of their day. They were threatened because of their preaching. These threats affected them like they would you and me. It’s no fun to hear someone threaten us. In this world it will, undoubtedly, happen. This life—this world—is not friendly to God and grace!

Father help me trust in your protection when I face those who would do me harm. In Jesus’ Name, amen.