Acts 5:33-42
When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
We’ve come to the end of a vacation in Europe, and I’ve noticed something during our travels. There are people with various markings everywhere we look. Whether it’s tattoos, burqas, Louis Vuitton bags, or New York Yankees ball caps, everywhere we turn we see signs of various affiliations, loyalties, and convictions. More distressing even than the many burqas, hijabs, and Janeus is the presence of so many many people on our(!) Sunday morning trip to the Frankfurt Zoo. There were people everywhere. Not in church. Europe offers only a faint echo of its former religious past.
Thankfully there are also signs of Christian convictions. We saw several people wearing crosses. And surely if someone has three crosses tattooed on his neck it must mean something. Just now there is a woman reading her Bible sitting across from me in the waiting area. And we saw several Roman Catholic sisters and a few priests as well. That’s a good reminder that God does preserve his church. There surely are many more than 7000 who have not bowed the knee to Baal (cf. 1 Kings 19:18).
But I’ve been wondering what is the clearest marking of a follower of Jesus Christ. It certainly is not success. Success is neither a mark of faithfulness or a lack of it. It may not necessarily be a nun’s habit, or a priest’s collar; although that is a good clue to be sure. The fruit of the Holy Spirit certainly marks one as a follower of Jesus. And this may or may not be be outwardly obvious to many.
A constant faithful and unwavering faith in Jesus is the clearest sign and marking of a follower of Jesus; even in the face of trouble and opposition. Most of us don’t have to face such direct attacks as did the early disciples and apostles. Perhaps, then, our biggest challenge to remaining faithful is the kind of affluence that affords us grand travel opportunities, or constant weekend distractions. We managed to worship in our small group of travelers and our families while we were away from our regular church home. I notice from this text that the apostles continued to teach and preach in the temple where people were gathering each day to honor and worship God. Seems that too is a mark of being a Jesus follower. I you will join your brothers and sisters in Christ this Sunday to worship and honor him, and to encourage others in their walk of faith.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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