Sunday Devotion- Cannot be overthrown

Janet Rubin

Acts 5:33-39 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

Good old Gamaliel. A logical thinker. He spoke these words shortly after Christ’s ascension, when the Jewish leaders were getting their robes in a bunch over the radical, young Christian church, which seemed to be getting out of hand. A lame guy walking, leaping and praising God; wild church services where the worshippers appeared drunk with wine early in the morning; compelling sermons in the public square and people converting left and right. And always talking about this Jesus. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. What to do, what to do?

Enter Gamaliel. Saying, let them be. If this Jesus guy was a fraud, the movement will die. Soon all the hoopla and miracles will be nothing but forgotten articles in the archives of the Jerusalem Enquirer. And if this thing is of God, well then there ain’t nothin’ you can do to stop it.

2,000 + years later and here we are. Looks like Gamaliel’s second option is the winner, eh? How many have followed Jesus since that day? How many songs have been written? Books? Movies? Poems? Sermons? How many healings, conversions, addictions overcome, hearts mended, relationships restored? How many missionaries have gone out? How many persecuted? And the name of Jesus is everywhere: magazines, newspapers, television, and radio. It’s tossed around in cyberspace and whispered in secret Chinese house churches. And there you are, writing your tales and weaving in the beautiful love story of the Gospel! Here I am adding just a few more words to the UNSTOPPABLE movement!

Why exactly is it so unstoppable? Firstly, because Jesus and the young church were in fact of God. The second reason makes me think of something Jessica said in her post yesterday regarding the fact that marketing isn't as effective in creating great book sales as writing a remarkable book. She said, "We all know the best way for a book to grow is through word of mouth. Basically, the reading experience was so remarkable that someone couldn't help but tell their friend." And what we have in the Gospel is not just a story, but a Truth so remarkable it must be, has been, and will be shared.

Read what happened after Gamaliel’s suggestion:
“40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His] name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

Fellow scribes, how cool is it to carry on what was started so long ago? To add our words of testimony to the apostles’? Perhaps you don’t write what is known as “Christian Fiction.” The story is written in your heart, though. Your life is a testimony. Maybe your writing and the connections you make because of it give you opportunity to share the story through your ethical dealings, your humble spirit, your compassion. What an honor. What an adventure. Carry on, good and faithful servants. This is about so much more than publication. Books go out of print. Authors die. The Story goes on.