by Rev Lai Kai Ming
Readings: Acts 5:1-42; Proverbs 9:1-6
READ (verse/s chosen for meditation)
Acts 5:41-42
So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
REFLECT
Why would the apostles rejoice for being beaten up? Is there really glory and good in suffering? The apostles didn’t just suffer pain, but shame – assuming they were being flogged naked. Yet, they considered it a privilege to have gone through such an ordeal. Perhaps, just perhaps, they were glad to have suffered a little for their Master who suffered everything for their sake.
RELATE
One of the biggest obstacle for me in sharing the gospel is to face rejection and ridicule by others. I just can’t bear the thought of someone chasing me away for telling them something that is good for them. But I am also aware that if I don’t approach them, I would never know if they would actually be open to hear more. Yes, it’s a risk to take. Yet to risk is to have faith. And to have faith is to be ready to suffer.
REST
Lord, help me to overcome my fear of rejection, and to boldly share Your goodness with those around me, even strangers. Grant me both faith, and compassion for the lost. Amen.
