When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men (Acts 5:33-35).
The high priest and all the rulers of Israel were so enraged they grated their teeth in anger and gave determined and serious discussion as to how they could kill them, to rid themselves of this scourge that stood before them. But the Apostles had help from a quarter from which they did not expect it, wise counsel from a man we will hear of again, Gamaliel, the teacher of Saul of Tarsus, better known now as the Apostle Paul. Gamaliel was a pharisee of high reputation, a doctor of the Law of Moses, the best of the best. Of course the disciples would have been able to hear all that was said against them, angry men are fuelled with an outburst of emotion that takes no thought for who might see or hear. Gamaliel told them to put the disciples beyond the sound of their voices and then he spoke. Think hard and long about what you are planning to do to these men. We should never speak in haste or in anger but take a space of time to make sure we are speaking in love, in the Spirit. It may be necessary to disagree or even rebuke but it is best done with love so that the person hearing will be positively affected, if they allow it. Our words create and build, we must build for good and with the firm mortar of love. For us as sons of God we should act with the counsel of the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth. I have often waited upon God in such a situation and returned later to soften my words before speaking. If you adopt patience your answers will not be full of anger but of love. As we will read tomorrow Gamaliel put this event into perspective and allowed the disciples to live and continue until the will of God for them was fulfilled. James 1:19-20.
PLEASE PRAY for Fiskerton meetings, that God’s presence for salvation, healing and deliverance will so fill the house that only God can minister. All power is given to the wonderful name of Jesus. Thank you, God bless you. NEXT MEETINGS at Fiskerton: DISCIPLESHIP MEETING, Wednesday 21 OCTOBER @ 7pm. REVIVAL MEETING, Saturday 24 OCTOBER @ 4pm. BIBLE STUDY, Wednesday 28 OCTOBER @ 7pm.