Tuesday, December 19, 2017

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand.

Acts 4:1-4

We talk a lot about speaking truth to power these days. That is what the apostles were doing—speaking the truth about Jesus, his death and resurrection, but the priests didn’t appreciate it. In fact, the apostles were thrown in jail for witnessing to the truth.

Speaking the truth has its consequences. Sharing our faith, witnessing to the Gospel and speaking the truth can alter relationships and result in rejection and loss for ourselves. The old adage about never speaking of religion or politics may make for polite conversation, but it does nothing to advance the need for true and honest debate on important issues. “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) 

We can see this as a call to action. We as Christians are to discern the truth, act with justice, stand with the oppressed, and live as Christ in word and deed.

Just as it was for the apostles, we need to remember that the human reaction to our witness is not the last word. God has the last word. God took the witness of the apostles and reaped a harvest of 5,000 people. Surely, God will use our witness for God’s purpose when we speak the truth.

We give thanks, O Lord, for ministries like Liberty Lutheran and programs like Lutheran Congregational Services that encourage us as witnesses to your truth in this troubled world. Amen.

Linda Maxon is an independent fundraiser, part-time program development director at Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown, PA, and convener of the Northeastern PA Synod Witness and Service Team.