Monday, April 11 – Acts 5:33-39

But when they heard this, they became infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. For, some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or movement is men, it will be overthrown; but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”

From an early age, we desire a deeper purpose for our lives. Children often have big dreams as to what this impact will look like. We imagine being president or a famous lawyer or builder. Considering our short time on earth, it seems like fame, prestige, and importance are what make us matter in the end but when we look at Scripture, we see that a lasting impact comes from something else entirely. A lasting impact comes from God, not from our own strength.

Gamaliel, a Pharisee, had seen people that had attracted the attention of the masses. He had watched them come and go, but when it came to the disciples, he recognized that there could be more to the story than just a couple of good men and some followers. This could be from God. When we live out our faith as followers of Jesus, there is something different about us. We seek more than just our best moral life. We give sacrificially, we love without abandon, we serve when no one is watching. In this, we not only invest in a kingdom that will never fade but we show others, like Gamaliel, the power of God at work inside of us. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance.” As we serve and live as followers of Jesus, we can stand secure that every step we make in obedience to Christ has eternal purpose and value, more than any fad or riches. Every step we take living out this faith will be worth it in the end, even as we face trials.

• Who do you know who shows the power of God through their life? What are they like?
• Does your life show the power of God at work in you? Why or why not?

Pray and ask God to show you where He wants His power to be displayed in your life.