Denying the Reality of Jesus

Acts 4:17 (NKJV)

17But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."

It was just after Pentecost and Peter and John had healed a man in the name of Jesus at the entrance of a temple. They were arrested by the Sadducees. The Sadducees were different from the Pharisees in that they did not believe in angels or demons. They also did not believe in a resurrection. According to the New King James Study Bible, the Sadducees did not approve of either the Pharisees or Jesus. While conferring with one another, the Sadducees admitted that Peter and John had indeed performed a miracle. Everyone knew the man they healed as one who was lame since birth and he was much older. But because they had to "stand" by their teachings and motto, they felt it prudent to threaten the men into keeping quiet. This miracle getting out would be proof of Jesus was exactly who He said He was. And that the disciples, now apostles, who went about displaying miracles and preaching in the name of Jesus were indeed justified in their actions.

Now how is this relevant to you? When Jesus is clearly displayed in your life and our Lord is displaying Himself for others to see, there may be some who are conferring in private that not only is Jesus real but that you are truly a child of the most High God and live your life accordingly. But to keep their own reputation, they will not publicly acknowledge you and may even attempt to swear you to secrecy or keep others from talking about you publicly though it is CLEAR that Jesus is in whatever it is you are doing and the Holy Spirit is at work. A prideful reputation is often what keeps those who need to confess the reality of Jesus from speaking. We know in Proverbs that God disdains a prideful heart that refuses to acknowledge Him. And Jesus said that if you publicly deny Him, when judgement comes, He will deny you. The Word says that "every knew must bow and every tongue must confess".  Denying publicly what Jesus has done in the life of one is the same as saying He is not real.

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