Sunday, February 5
God’s got it
Scripture: Exodus 21-22, Acts 12
Observation
Acts 12 opens with King Herod on a rampage against the young church in Jerusalem. He had James (one of the main leaders of the church) killed with the sword and when he saw that pleased his Jewish constituency, he had Peter arrested and held for execution. James dead; Herod winning.
The church prayed fervently for Peter’s deliverance, and God answered in miraculous ways, freeing Peter.
The chapter ends with King Herod receiving adulation and being struck down by God, but “The word of God continued to spread and flourish.” Herod dead; God winning.
The chapter starts with Herod winning but ends with God winning. I’m sure it was difficult for the church in the midst of the persecution. It must have been frightening and discouraging. But God ultimately triumphed, not Herod. And we desperately need to remember that when we’re in the middle of the battle.
Application
It is easy to forget in the midst of the battle that God will ultimately triumph.
The book of Revelation was written by John to remind the persecuted church of this truth. The book’s message: Jesus wins. God wins in the end. We may lose some battles along the way, but God wins the war. So never lose hope. Don’t give up.
Keeping this eternal perspective will allow us to live with peace and confidence and be a non-anxious presence in the midst of difficulty. God’s got it.
Prayer: Lord, I love you. I confess that I forget this lesson and get anxious and fearful. Help me remember that you always have the last word, and trust you in the midst of the battle. Jesus wins. God’s got this.