Acts - Until Everyone KnowsSample

Acts 5

The believers had decided to share all their belongings with each other, but one couple tried to get away with keeping some of the money for themselves, lying to their brothers and sisters, and to God. In a dramatic turn of events, they both drop dead! "And great fear seized all who heard about what happened" (v. 11).

This was also an incredible season of seeing people turn to faith in Jesus, signs and miracles on display, great love being seen between the believers and the apostles who had the boldness to share the Gospel even after being sent to prison and flogged. In the middle of all this, there is a Holy Fear of God propelling the apostles and a determination to keep sharing the News. “We must obey God rather than human beings,” (v. 29) they said, and they rejoiced "because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" (v. 41).

You may find yourself praying for revival, but are you ready for all this will involve? Revival is often linked to an awareness of the Holiness of God, a need for repentance, a Holy Fear of God and even persecution. Can you honestly say, like the apostles, that you must obey God rather than human beings? Is He the One you fear more than anyone else? This kind of Fear is a reverence, a desire to please Him more than anyone else; an awareness of His Greatness and Power. It helps when we have Eternity in mind rather than just living in the here and now.

Lord, I really do want to see many people saved and turn to You. Make me ready for revival, Lord. Give me a Holy Fear of You and a boldness to share with others like never before. And Lord, I pray for believers in countries where they are being persecuted - give them courage and strength to keep going, and may they know Your Love and Care. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Rachel Gibson