David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 4:13-22

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. ¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, ¹⁶ saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” ¹⁸ So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, ²⁰ for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” ²¹ And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. ²² For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

When people praise God several important things happen. God is properly recognized for his majesty, glory, power, strength, wisdom, grace, goodness, mercy, and love. When God is recognized for these things, we are the better for it.

Praising God doesn’t make him feel better about himself. It doesn’t make him any more inclined to care for us. He is the One who is. He told Moses, when asked for his name, “I AM WHO I AM.” He is the Great I AM. He exists apart from our acknowledgement. When we acknowledge this, it is akin to acknowledging that there is such a thing as gravity. We live with it. We don’t ignore it. It is a factor in our lives. Without it we’re in deep trouble. So too with God. If we do not acknowledge him for who he is, we are in deep trouble.

Furthermore God’s love is pure. His grace is glorious. His mercy is steadfast. We don’t earn it. It is a given. So when we acknowledge God for his mercy, grace, goodness, and love, we are not causing God to love us. He doesn’t need a reminder of that. We are reminding ourselves that we have a faithful and loving God to whom we may turn in times of joy or trouble. We embolden ourselves to call on him and seek his help.

As we praise God we also put things in perspective. He is great. We are not. We cannot call him to account for his actions. We cannot put him on trial. We answer to him. This is a healthy attitude toward God and life itself. The sooner we recognize that we are not in control the sooner we’ll enjoy letting God guide our path as we seek his will and ways.

Praise can prevent further incursions of evil and trouble. That’s what happens here when the people’s praise prevented the enemies of the gospel from taking further action against Peter and John.

Our troubles and worries are also put in perspective when we praise God. God is bigger, stronger, mightier, and sovereign over all our lives – our troubles included. They will bow to his good will and ultimate purpose for our blessing and joy.

When the people saw what God had done for the lame man, they rejoiced and praised God. Did they realize the farther-reaching implications of their praise? Do you, when you praise God and give him the glory he deserves?