Reading : Acts 5:17–32
We must obey God rather than human beings! — Acts 5:29
The apostles are arrested, put in jail, and ordered to stop speaking in Jesus’ name. But when they are brought before the council, Peter answers with calm courage: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” The resurrection had changed everything. Jesus was not simply someone they remembered with affection. He was alive, exalted, and reigning. Because Christ was living, their obedience to Him could not be negotiated.
This is where Easter faith becomes deeply practical. The apostles were not rejecting ordinary life, daily work, or public responsibility. They were declaring that God’s claim comes first. C. S. Lewis wrote that when it comes to God’s claim, there is no true middle ground. The risen Christ does not ask for a place alongside our other loyalties. He asks for first place over all of them. Culture, politics, reputation, comfort, and safety may all press their claims upon us, but none of them can sit on the throne that belongs to Jesus alone.
Yet this does not mean Christianity removes us from ordinary life. It means that ordinary life must be offered to God. Work, conversation, service, suffering, worship, and witness are all to be brought under the lordship of Christ. Peter goes on to say that though people killed Jesus, God raised Him from the dead and exalted Him as Prince and Savior. Human power is real, but it is never final. God still rules, still saves, and still calls His people to faithful witness. Eastertide reminds us that the living Christ claims the whole of life. And when all is yielded to Him, even the simplest acts can be filled with holy purpose.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus is alive and reigns as Prince and Savior. Teach me to obey You above every lesser claim and to offer every part of my life to Your glory. Fill me with courage, humility, and joy as I follow the living Christ. Amen.
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