SCRIPTURE: Acts 12:19-24
“But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” (Acts 12:24)
Luke (the author of Acts) is giving his commentary on what happened.
He is interpreting the news of the day in light of the kingdom of God.
The word of God (the message of Jesus, not the bible) is spreading and growing.
The Lord is at work through his witnesses, spreading the good news.
At the same time, the death of Herod is a reminder to believers as well.
God will not allow the arrogant to succeed forever.
“The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” (Isaiah 2:11)
This is a sign; it does not happen all the time, right away.
But every time the ‘high and mighty’ are humbled, the Lord is reminding us.
No matter how the world has tried to silence the witness of the kingdom, it has failed.
History is filled with times when the message of Jesus has been silenced and crushed.
Or so it seems… “but the word of God continues to spread and flourish.” (Acts 12:24)
As Jesus followers, we stay true to Jesus and His way, confident that it will win in the end.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, when my faith seems small and weak, remind me of Your strength through weakness, Your power through persecution. May Your message continue to spread and flourish through me.