The religious leaders were angry when Peter and John taught about Jesus Christ. They healed a man who was crippled from birth and when they were questioned about it, proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. “let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well” (Acts 4:10). The religious leaders were confounded by their proclamation, but too afraid to harm the disciples. This was because the people were amazed by the miracle and believed in Jesus Christ.
The most that they could do was to threaten the disciples and warn them not to speak anymore about Jesus. “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” (Acts 4:17). The disciples were not deterred, but were ever more determined to continue because they recognised the power in the name of Jesus. “while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (Acts 4:30).
There have been many attempts throughout history to censor the use of the name Jesus. Artists have been signed to labels who forbade them to use the name of Jesus in their songs. Why does the Devil go to such lengths to try to stop the use of the name of our Lord. The Devil thought he won the victory against our Lord when he had him crucified on the cross. What he did was allow the blood of Jesus Christ to flow as a healing balm to cover our sins.
Despite the attempts at censorship and our modern day political correctness, we boldly declare that there is one way to God. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one can come to God, except through him (John 14:6). “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 