Acts 12:18-25 God Deals With Our Enemies

"But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." (1 Peter 3:12)

 

The new shift of guards arrived to find Peter gone, the chains still locked, and all four guards in place.  There was no explanation but a lot of explaining to do.  Herod ordered all four guards killed when he could not determine what had happened.  Peter was never found by him.

Later, during a festival honoring Claudius Caesar, Herod wore a silver garment and made a speech.  "The people of Tyre and Sidon, who depended on the Jews for food, had in some way displeased King Herod and were in danger of losing this assistance ... They bribed an official, who convinced the king to meet the delegation ... It was an opportunity for the proud king to display his authority and glory, and for the delegates to please him with their flattery ... He wanted to impress the people.  And he did!  They played on his Herodian ego and told him he was a god, and he loved every minute of it.  But he did not give the glory to the Lord, so this whole scene was nothing but idolatry.  Instead of Peter being killed by Herod, it was Herod who was killed by Peter's God.  Herod contracted an affliction in his bowels and died five days later."

"At the beginning of Acts 12, Herod seemed to be in control, and the church was losing the battle.  But at the end of the chapter, Herod is dead and the church - very much alive -- is growing rapidly!  The secret?  A praying church!  ... Let's keep our chins up and our knees down -- we're on the victory side!"

Amen, Father!  Help me to pray more and to pray harder.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford