Let Gamaliel Arise

Dear Florida Ministers,

Acts 5:34
Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel... 

In life, we face things that bring conflict or confusion. Often, these situations carry a measure of despair. However, regardless of what we may face, God can place a voice in our lives that can bring solace.

We may see hopelessness, but they can look beyond the broken and twisted pieces and see them restored! Some of these people are artisans of sorts.

For instance, when you need paint and body repair for your vehicle. It most likely means you've encountered some misfortune. Through the years, I have been in this situation. There is a paradox that exists at this moment. We are each looking at twisted metal and broken glass. For me, it all seemed hopeless. However, the person estimating the damage doesn't have that sense of anxiety. They quickly assess the damages and propose a plan of action that would make all of the brokenness a distant memory.

Acts 5 portrays just such a scene. It's a scene of great confusion and controversy. God's miracles stirred the spirit of resentment among the critics, and a great dispute arose. At the zenith of this chaos, a well-respected man among the Jews stood up and spoke order into disorder. While this man wasn't a "believer," God did use him at that moment to spare the lives of the apostles. Verse 40 makes a statement that we cannot ignore. "And to him they agreed." With a few "fitly spoken" words, the angry mob was calm.

A great sense of insecurity exists in our world today. However, if the "spirit of Gamaliel will arise" in us, as ministers of the gospel, it can and will bring peace. Unlike Gamaliel, we can do more than rehearse snippets of history. We will declare the irrevocable truths of God's word.

May we approach the pulpit with courage and confidence in 2021 like never before. As we do, the Lord will honor His word, and that will bring peace to an otherwise chaotic time.

Respectfully,
Steve A. Boyd
Florida District Superintendent