PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 17:1-9
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They are saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” (Acts 17:7)
Guilty as charged… this IS what Paul and Silas were saying.
This is also what we say, if we believe in who Jesus is.
It sounds less troubling in our day, because we no longer recognize kings.
We do not live in a monarchy (rule of one king over the people).
But we live in a democracy (rule of the people).
Do we as Jesus followers see how following Jesus challenges this too?
I am not advocating ‘churchocracy’ (rule of the church).
I am not suggesting a religious political party.
Paul and Silas did not proclaim the overthrow of Rome or government.
Their message, the good news of Jesus, involves the overthrow of the heart.
Change from within that comes from surrendering to Jesus as ‘king’.
Our hope is not in Conservatives Republicans, Liberals, Democrats or Socialists.
Our hope is in Jesus, and in his transforming work in and through us.
May we stand up for Jesus as king, and may the world be blessed because of it.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive your people for thinking politicians or the people can lead your world. May your kingdom come, and may your will be done in my life, as it is in heaven!
Guilty by association: “But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers” I thought it was Paul and Silas that were captured – but no it was Jason and some other believers who had accepted the message. The mob is unruly and stirred up be trouble making and jealous Jews who don’t want more people to follow the teaching of the gospel. Evil forces have their way, but they couldn’t stop the movement. Now it’s not just the messengers but also the new believers that are bearing witness – Jason is able to ‘free’ himself and the others – posting bond – and the message continues to go out. Lord help me to stand up to conflict as well – knowing that you are in control and you care about me!
This is my Father’s world. He is the One in charge for all things belong to Him. Him I also need to proclaim. I am His and He is mine. In times like these, in all times, our hope/my hope has to be in the Lord God our/my Saviour. I pray that the Lord uses rulers by His Spirit to rule with righteousness and justice. But it is the Lord God I serve.
This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!