In today's liturgical selection, Peter and John preach the Gospel and heal a lame man when the priests have the temple guards detain them.
These priests thought Jesus' spirit was crushed after crucifying him, but they discovered that Peter and John were imbued with a God-given boldness. The priests KNEW the two men were with Jesus!
Think about this: The people who detained Peter and John were the same people who had Jesus killed. Yet, they were not fearful, did not bow down to the demand to not speak Jesus' name; they boldly continued to spread the Gospel!
Boldness is not someone stating they could shoot someone in the middle of 5th Avenue and get away with it. Boldness is not bowing down to a golden statue, separating children from their parents, or supposedly making America great for the wealthy. This is foolishness rooted in arrogance and narcism.
Jesus wants us to be spirit-infused, bold, stand for what's right, be truthful, and utilize our God-given wisdom. Have the same boldness David had when facing Goliath and be unafraid to oppose bad actors. Jesus took action as needed; he did not stand idly by as money changers plied their trade in the temple courts!
While standing up for those who need assistance, if someone calls you a troublemaker or rabble-rouser, take heart! The same people called Jesus the same names! You're in good company! People will know you've been with Jesus!
Please join us for our next service on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 11 AM. For the link, please email us at info@northchurchnyc.org.