God willing, I along with 19 others will be in Haiti this week on a mission trip. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

I have read a number of items written about today's reading. Most of what I have read centers on the Apostles healing many people - verses 12 - 16. But I want to discuss a different passage. Let's have a look at verses 17 & 18.

Verses 17 & 18 read, "Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail."

It strikes me that these religious leaders did not listen and learn the gospel message that focused on their own Messiah. Instead they were jealous. Violently jealous. The religious leaders were jealous of Peter and the apostles because they were commanding more respect. They were commanding more respect than the religious leaders ever had. These jealous religious leaders thought they could silence the apostles by throwing them in jail. But God would not allow his servants to be silenced.

The verses are striking to me for a couple of reasons. One, how often do we let our petty jealousies get in the way of spiritual growth? I know it happens to me. Who cares who gets the credit as long as God's will is being advanced?

The second is how these religious leaders tried to quite Peter and the apostles. How many times, if we are not getting the credit or are not the center of attention, do we not support an activity? Or even try to sabotage the activity? When in reality we should be doing everything in our power to support it.

Jealousy is a terrible vice. It causes all sorts of problems in the world. I don't think I will ever be able to do away with my own jealousy, but perhaps I could minimize it.

Wishing you much success in your walk with Christ,

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