THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 12:19-24
“But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” (Acts 12:24)
This story presents a contrast between the way of Herod, and the way of Jesus.
The message of Herod (his public address, v.21) ends in his death.
The message of Jesus ends in death too, but like seed it spreads and flourishes.
“Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.
But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24)
Herod was promoting himself, and he died; Jesus empties Himself, and is alive!
Herod represents the self-life; Jesus the selfless life.
The first leads to death, the second to life to the full, the forever life.
Jesus not only shows us this new way of life, He invites us to join Him in it.
He saves us from sin and Satan’s grip, and restores to us the Spirit of life.
The Spirit of Jesus produces a new kind of life in us, one worth spreading.
The Jesus life (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) is what flourishes and spreads.
Our world needs more of this life, and we are the ones to spread it.
May the life and love of Jesus spread and flourish through me!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may Your message spread and flourish through me as I join You in Your selfless, God and neighbor loving way of life!