THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 3:19-20
“He locked John up in prison.”(Luke 3:20)
God sends John to prepare the way for Jesus; Satan tried to silence him.
But can God’s purpose be thwarted, can God’s plans be stopped?
This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.” (2 Timothy 2:9)
John can be locked up, and Paul can be put in chains, but the gospel cannot be chained.
God’s kingdom purpose through Jesus continues, no matter how the Enemy fights it.
I am finding this encouraging, when all we hear in the news is bad news.
Terrorism, violence, economic hardship, marriage and family problems mental health concerns, sickness…
It seems to be piling up – like Herod’s sins – adding more to it all!
The church seems under attack, and it seems weak and worldly, hardly a force to be contended with.
As Jesus followers, many of us are lukewarm, more interested in personal comfort and pleasure.
We are not being persecuted, which tends to make christians stronger; we are being compromised.
The Enemy seems to be succeeding in silencing the witness of many Christians.
But God’s word is not chained, the gospel cannot be locked up in prison.
Stay focused on God, on Jesus, and on the rightness and goodness of His kingdom cause.
The gates of hell will NOT prevail against Jesus or His followers (Matthew 16:18).
At the end of the day, it will be the Enemy that is locked up in prison… forever!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I admit it, I am discouraged by news that I am hearing, and things that I am seeing. Keep my eyes focused on You, standing firm through all the Enemy’s attempts to defeat You, until You defeated Him!
Observations/Application
John speaking against the authority for their life style and more. Then Herod continued in his way and also locked up the voice of truth.
The Voice.
The Voice continue to tell us also today – This is the Way. Walk in it.
That Voice can never be still or shut up or silenced. It always resurfaces through His people who are used as instruments of His peace – His reign – His power – His dominion. My God reigns!
Our God reigns and I too must see all those who stand up for Jesus – also today. May I also do the same.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear;
If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear;
Where’er ye meet with evil, within you or without,
Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, each soldier to his post,
Close up the broken column, and shout through all the host:
Make good the loss so heavy, in those that still remain,
And prove to all around you that death itself is gain.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.