Urgency in the Lord’s Business

Daily Devotional: Day 157

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42, NKJV).

Peter and John had been arrested and brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin. Following the wise counsel of Gamaliel, a prominent member of the council, the Apostles were released. But they were commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus again (cf. Acts 5:34-40). Two verses later, in Acts 5:42, the Bible says, “daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Look carefully at the Bible’s choice of words. It says the Apostles did not cease teaching and preaching. They maintained a daily, incessant routine of speaking about Christ. The key word and phrase are “daily” and “they did not cease.” 

The Bible is pointing us to the necessity of maintaining a sense of urgency when it comes to teaching and preaching about Christ. Observing the Apostles, you notice that there was a sense of urgency about their attitude. The fact is, they understood the signs of the times. They knew that knowledge of salvation is an offensive weapon in the kingdom of God. Our spiritual warfare entails an urgent call to strengthen believers, bring light to those walking in darkness and rescue the perishing. This is a daily call which requires a daily response.

Even satan knows that the stakes are high, and there isn’t a day he goes to rest. Revelation 12:12 comes to mind: “Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (ESV, emphasis added).

Each new day counts. We, therefore, don’t have the luxury of resting on our oars or being on the defensive. The only way for us to rest is to do the Master’s business daily. And, the only way to win is to be on the offensive, armed with the Word of God. Each day is an opportunity to make Christ known in our homes, in our relationships, on the streets and at the workplace. We can do this, because the Holy Spirit is with us. 

Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ be with you today. Amen.

For further study: Matthew 28:16-20