In last Thursday’s devotional I wrote about how Luke gave ample objective evidence of the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. So how about some more evidence this Thursday?
After Jesus’ crucifixion and prior to their knowledge of Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples hid in fear of what might happen to them because of their close association with Jesus. But post-resurrection–as is the case here in Acts 5–we find the disciples performing signs and wonders and publicly proclaiming the good news of Jesus to any and all who would listen.
What could convince Jesus’ followers to go from cowardice to courage? I don’t know–maybe Jesus, who was murdered on a cross and buried in a tomb, standing before them alive and well and telling them to go tell everyone else about what they’d seen? I’m convinced that the disciples’ transformation is some of the most compelling evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
But there’s more! Acts 5 contains another little nugget for confidence in the resurrection of Christ. As the Jewish teacher Gamaliel said, “If this plan or this undertaking [of the disciples] is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them” (vv. 38-39). The fact that I’m still writing about it and you’re still reading about it some 2,000 years later on the other side of the world is a pretty good indication it was “of God.”
So what does that mean for you? Well, like I wrote last Thursday, the resurrection demands a response. That response might be fresh boldness and intentionality to proclaim the good news of Jesus. It might be a heightened sense of gratitude because you know that your sin is forgiven. It might be a renewed hope knowing that resurrection and eternal life awaits you, too. How will you live differently today because Jesus is alive?
VC Devotionals 