How can we acknowledge God's work like the council in Acts 4:16? Setting the Scene in Acts 4 • Peter and John have healed a man in Jesus’ name, causing public amazement (Acts 3:1-10). • The religious leaders arrest them, disturbed that the apostles proclaim resurrection through Jesus (Acts 4:1-3). • Facing undeniable evidence of the miracle, the council concedes, “For it is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable sign has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.” (Acts 4:16) The Council’s Unwanted Admission • They do not embrace the gospel, yet must publicly acknowledge God’s power. • Their words show three key realities: – The sign is “remarkable” — God’s work stands out. – The sign is “clear to everyone” — God’s works are often plain to see. – “We cannot deny it” — silence or denial would clash with obvious truth. Principles for Recognizing God’s Hand Today • Stay alert to the unmistakable. Psalm 118:23 affirms, “This is from the LORD; it is marvelous in our eyes.” • Give credit where credit is due. James 1:17 reminds that “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” • Let deeds speak. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) • Accept evidence even when it challenges comfort zones, following the honesty shown in Acts 4:16. • Remember that creation itself testifies. “The heavens declare the glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1) Practical Ways to Voice What We See God Doing 1. Verbal testimony • Share clear, concrete examples of answered prayer or transformed lives. • Use plain language like the healed man in John 9:25: “One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see.” 2. Written remembrance • Keep a journal or digital log of God’s interventions to review and share. 3. Corporate celebration • Incorporate stories of God’s work in worship services, small groups, and family gatherings. 4. Public integrity • In workplaces, neighborhoods, and online spaces, attribute success to the Lord without hesitation. 5. Visible obedience • Acts of compassion and holiness corroborate spoken praise, prompting observers to “glorify God on the day He visits us” (1 Peter 2:12). Guardrails against Silence or Spin • Resist minimizing miracles to coincidence. • Reject fear of reputational loss; the apostles modeled boldness (Acts 4:13). • Avoid exaggeration; truthful testimony honors God more than inflated claims. • Guard against pride; focus on the Giver, not the instrument. Encouragement for Daily Acknowledgment • Look intentionally for “remarkable signs” both big and small. • Speak promptly and plainly about what God has done. • Trust that candid acknowledgment of His work can soften hard hearts, just as an adversarial council could not deny the obvious in Acts 4:16. |
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