Acts:12 1 - 5 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
Herod was a murderous jerk who had some real insecurity issues. However, he wasn't stupid. After persecuting and killing some of the Christians that lived in Jerusalem, he realized that it pleased the Jewish leadership. Keeping the people happy is always a good thing, so he went a little farther and arrested Peter. I know that it says he was going to be tried before the people, but his verdict was already set - death.
So what did the church do?
Pray. They church didn't protest or write their congressman, they didn't boycott someone's business. They prayed. Now I am not against any of those actions, they serve us well in the right time and place. But they cannot take the place of prayer.
What did the church not do?
Runaway. Cower and hide. Give up and quit. It would seem reasonable that Herod's motive was clear. We're going to have a funeral for Peter soon. But the church didn't give into that thought.
What are you facing today? A boss that wants to fire you? A spouse that wants to divorce you? A financial situation that is demanding your bankruptcy? While all these issues are real, remember that your God is real too. Don't run away from your problems, pray about them. Don't give up hope. Demand a greater faith in yourself that will meet the need.
PRAY: Dear Jesus, help me to be still and know that You are God. AMEN!
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