February 12, 2002
Religious Strongholds Threatened
The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.
The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Acts 4:1-7
The leaders of the Jewish religion were so convinced they had put an end to this “rebellion” when they had finally crucified Jesus. Why were they so convinced this Jesus that was being preached was not the promised Messiah? They knew the law. They knew the prophets. They knew the teachings of the day. However, in all this knowledge, they had not allowed for the possibility their interpretation of things was not correct. They were so entrenched in their power they could not bear the thought of that power being usurped. All their lives they had waited on a Messiah who would come and put them in the political power ruling a physical kingdom and that is not what Jesus came to teach. Jealousy (suspicion, being apprehensive of rivalry, resentful envy, careful in protecting that which one has)* ruled these men. They were jealous of the teachings that brought so many to Jesus when those teachings did not include them. This same Jesus had told them they were hypocrites, dead in sin. They did not understand the very word of God they had taught.
This is much like some of the religious leaders of today. They do not want their congregation to learn for themselves. They do not want their power usurped, even when that power is a counterfeit power. Jealousy caused the death of Jesus. Jealousy is the stronghold that keeps many bound in religion. When in a body of believers, there arises one who speaks with authority and yet the speaking does not meet the doctrine of a particular faith, jealousy once again raises its head and says “By what power or what name do you do this?” When the leaders of religions find themselves facing something unknown to them that makes their position of power uncertain, they do just as these teachers of the law did, they try to squelch it. In fact, they have often done such a good job of this as to crush the very movement of the Holy Spirit.
Are you jealous? Are you so involved in doctrine, theology, or interpretation that you are not open to the possibility that what you believe is not correct? If Jesus were to be here today, would you find yourself a part of the crowd that hollered “Crucify him!” Before you answer this with haste, truly take the time to think about it. Has someone ever come to you with what they say is a revelation of God that matches scripture, yet you have dismissed it because it did not fit your “model” of what scripture teaches? Has someone come into your church dressed in what you consider inappropriate garb and been looked down on? How do you look at those who are homeless, dirty, dust covered, with hands that are worn? Take a close look at the previous questions. Those questions are the questions of how do you accept Jesus! The questions describe him. Now, ask yourself again, “Would I have been a part of the crowd that wanted Jesus crucified?” Are you jealous of your “understanding” of scripture, jealous to the point that you are not willing to admit that what you have been taught or what you believe could be wrong. We do not need to be like the Pharisees and the Scribes. We must be open to the move of the Holy Spirit.
Father, in Jesus name you set us loose from this jealousy. Lord, it has been revealed and brought to the light of your word. In Jesus name, cleanse us from this spirit of jealousy that prevents the move of the Holy Spirit. Increase discernment that we know what is of you and what is not. Lord, let us be open to the teachings of Jesus. Let us know and understand the things he said and the ways he told of. Father, in Jesus name let nothing be hidden from us. Remove from us that security of religion. Move us out of our comfort zones and into the area where we learn and grow. Father, in Jesus name you lead us. Jesus you teach us. According to your word, pour out your Spirit upon the people, both men and women. According to your word, let nothing be a mystery to those who believe. Reveal to us you plan for the time in which we live. Open our eyes to see and our ears to hear, in Jesus name, amen.
* taken from Websters Dictionary
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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