The Name of Jesus Forbidden – A Fasting Devotional

From: Jose Oyola

This is the subtitle of a section that begins in Acts 4:13. I’m not sure if titles of sections are inspired like the rest of scripture but it did leap out to me considering the times, we are living in.  As you may recall, in Acts 4:1-12, Peter and John have been arrested for preaching the Gospel, proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and that forgiveness is found in him.  Peter addresses the rulers and elders by proclaiming in verse 12 “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”.

After a time of consulting among themselves, the rulers concluded that they would threaten Peter and John and command them not to speak to no man about Jesus or to teach about him.  We see that they attempted to censor the apostles.  They respond with one of my favorite verses in the bible. “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” Acts 4:19-20

We see in these passages that the enemy works through people to try to close or censor the mouths of believers. This is nothing new…the enemy hates for the truth of who Jesus is and what’s he’s done to be heard. God’s word is powerful but it doesn’t do any good if it is not proclaimed.  Our country may be headed in direction where we may be censored...but let’s make sure we take our cue from the apostles.  They can tell us to be quiet, but our obedience/loyalty is to the Lord so we will speak (no matter what the consequence it may bring)

Let our fasting/prayer lead us to greater confidence to declare the truth that we have “seen and heard”