by Pastor David
Acts 12:1-3a — “About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also.”
We’ve all had them. Those phone calls that leave us speechless. That diagnosis that makes time stop. The look on our loved one’s face that says all isn’t well. An uneasiness grips our spirits as we grow uncertain about the future and are tempted to despair.
I can only imagine how the church felt upon learning of James’ death. But it must’ve been similar to what we feel when we hear dreaded news. Remember, James wasn’t some ancillary figure to the church. He was one of the original 12. He was one of Christ’s inner circle. Without him, the Church would never feel the same. His loss cannot be overstated. And now, to make matters worse, Peter had been arrested.
Imagine the fear that must’ve run up and down the Church’s spine. Imagine the grief that must’ve pervaded every meeting. Imagine the sense of uncertainty that must’ve taken up residency in the back of everyone’s mind. They knew Herod’s plan. As soon as Passover had finished, Herod would kill Peter to the delight of all the maniacal Pharisees and Sadducees that killed Jesus. The end of the Church as they knew it must’ve seemed imminent.
But notice how the church responded. It says in Acts 12:5b, “…but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.”
Just when things were beginning to seem hopeless, God’s people prayed earnestly! Just when it looked as though Satan had won the day, God’s people prayed earnestly! Just when all human cleverness and cunning had been exhausted, God’s people prayed with earnest! Just when Peter’s death looked like a forgone conclusion, “earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.”
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need to be reminded of the power of earnest praying. Not polite, Sunday-School prayers. I’m talking about crying out to God in desperation. The early church had no answers for Herod. They had no plan B. Their only hope was God. So they prayed like Peter’s life depended on it! And…God…answered!
I understand that we live in a busy world. Praying this way isn’t always possible or practical or sustainable. But when was the last time you cried out to God for your unsaved family? When was the last time you wept before God for the sins of your country? When was the last time you earnestly sought for His blessing upon your church?
I can’t promise you immediate results. But I can tell you this, it worked for the early church. Maybe God is waiting for us to follow their lead?
Passage Reading Guide: Acts 12 & Psalm 19