AN ANNOYANCE!

         An annoyance is an irritation or something that bothers, pains, or troubles. And there are many things which occur in life that bother people and should; crime, hatred, injustice, people in need, and other things that are not as they ought to be. However, some accept what ought to bother them while rejecting what should not. Sometimes this is due to a lack of openness to what is true.

            As Peter and John continued proclaiming the truth of Jesus — even drawing attention to the Name and power of Jesus in the healing a man lame from birth (Acts 3:1-9) — the attention gained was a source of trouble to the Jewish leadership. We read. . .

            “(1) And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, (2) greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” (Acts 4:1-2 ESV)

            The resurrection was one of the things of which the Sadducees did not believe (note Matthew 22:23; Acts 23:8) and so, along with others, were greatly annoyed at this being a part of the teaching. Therefore, they arrested Peter and John and the leaders assembled on the next day to question them. That the Apostles had performed a notable sign was undeniable (Acts 4:16), but these leaders refused to accept and ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:17-18) Still, Peter and John declared they could not but speak what they had seen and heard. (Acts 4:20)

            We live in a world where there are still those who will be annoyed by the mention of the truth of Jesus. There are those who do not want to listen and don’t want others to either. However, some of those who are bothered by us sharing the good news of Jesus do not mind bothering or even offending us with their points of view and life choices. Therefore, it appears being annoyed and bothered will remain a part of life. That being the case, if we are guilty of such, may it be by the truth of Jesus both being lived and spoken — though with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15) — as we go about our daily life. Understanding acceptance or rejection depends on the soil of the human heart (Matthew 13:18-23), though some may refuse to accept and be drawn, there will be those who will. So, may we sow the truth as we trust in the power God placed in its seed to germinate and bear godly fruit!

            Have a great day HOLDING TO AND HOLDING OUT THE TRUTH OF JESUS!

                        Carl