Herod’s death is one of those Bible stories that the little boys in Sunday school love to talk about. A greedy, self-consumed king who attacked the followers of Jesus gets eaten by worms. Worms, of all things. Can you imagine? But if we just chalk this story up to being gross and weird, we’re missing the point.
In Acts, we see the followers of Jesus enduring persecution and hatred from the world, just like Jesus said. In chapter 12, Herod imprisoned Peter, intending to kill him, simply because he saw it pleased the Jewish people (Acts 12:3). Yet despite Herod’s evil intentions, God’s plans prevailed.
“But the word of God spread and multiplied.” —Acts 12:24
Herod’s earthly power and influence were nothing compared to the powerful prayers of God’s people (v.5). We see this when, despite being kept under heavy watch, Peter is suddenly rescued by an angel. Even Peter himself could hardly believe what God had done (v.9).
Rhoda, a servant, is so amazed to hear Peter’s voice she can barely even think of doing the next thing! So she runs into the house, where everyone else tells her she’s out of her mind. But she knew what she heard. Meanwhile, everyone else still had to see to believe (v.16).
In this story we see different responses to the work of God: Rhoda, a lowly servant who gave witness to a miracle. Herod, royalty, who was consumed with his reputation and power, and struck dead for not giving the glory to God. He wanted all the glory for himself and was willing to do whatever it took to get it.
Maybe the Lord wants to remind us through this passage that glory and honor look different in the kingdom. Here on earth, those who work hard and know the right people often get an honored place and position. In the kingdom of God, position and power do not equal glory. I don’t know about you, but that’s a reminder I need again, and again, and again.
Lord, make us willing vessels today, not for our good, but for your glory. Help us to focus more on what you’re doing than receiving places of honor. Remind us that you have not called us to be impressive, you’ve called us to be available as witnesses to your work. May your Word and your truth flourish and multiply through us. Amen.
That old song – It’s me, It’s me, It’s me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer. Has been playing in my head every once in a while over the last few days. Todays scripture and the power of prayer when we as a community pray. Our God breaks chains, releases prisoners, even those that are bound and bound up in sin, or satan’s lies. He is able. Let’s join in prayer Sisters for one another and envision His healing, His peace, His freedom for one another. Sometimes, or many times His answer is no, but God, I just heard a message that this can be because He has a better Yes, than what we are asking. And I do believe, that better Yes can be that someone does not have to suffer this life more, but gets healed as they meet Jesus in Heaven. Loved your words Arina, ERB, and Angie I read HRT, God’s word reveals so much about Him and shows me so much about my own heart, thankful for His love, mighty and amazing. That message, I heard about a better Yes (Transformation Church) they also said Write down the visions He gives you about your family, your health, your habits, your work. What is God telling you as you pray, write down what He is revealing and bathe it in prayer and believe. Not a wish list, but an annoited in prayer list from God, because in writing it out it becomes something we can see. Traci G praying for you, I learn much from you. I will pray God’s protection over Tanner and His complete healing, His embrace around you, Tanner and your husband. His rest for your heart. In Jesus name. Join with me sisters. Melanie, praying for His miracles and freedom, and provision. Adrienne, for your friend, that she finds Jesus and that she is safe and can be healed from the pain and healing, His beauty for ashes. ERB, His light shines in your words, may our God bring His healing to you. So blessed by your faith. Lexi B. celebrating your job. praying you find time to rest. Sisters I will be bathing these things in prayer. May God be glorified in how He answers. We are loved, we are His children. Lord God, bring your mercy, your might, your miracles as we sing the songs you’ve given us may we feel your harmony. Love to all y’all
When we pray – God hears! Every time I read this passage the same thought crosses my mind: The people were praying for a miracle, God answered, the people doubted. How often is this the case with me? I pour out my heart to God and He does answer but I don’t recognize it or I think it’s “to good to be true”. The scripture doesn’t say, but possibly they had prayed for James deliverance, God did answer but perhaps not in the way they were expecting – James was delivered but in quite a different way than what they wanted, he now was in the presence of his Lord and Savior the one who delivers us! Now they were gathered at the house of Mary praying – quite possibly for Peter’s deliverance. God answered, and they didn’t believe it! Except for the young girl Rhoda – she believed and was excited! When we pray – small or big – we must believe that God will answer (according to His will, not mine) recognize when He does and give Him all the glory! This answer to prayer was so good – Peter thought he was dreaming, but when he “came to himself” (Acts 12:11) He knew that it was the Lord who delivered him! All praise and glory to God, the One who does great things! If He can do them for Peter – He can do them for us too!
@Rhonda – praying for your dad this morning – may God be a comfort and strength to him at this very trying time, and have His healing hand upon him.
Great comments from you all – I love reading them and praying for your requests, it makes me feel that I really know you as friends.
Great devotion today and comments. Thank you Abby Flynn and SRT Sisters.
I have a prayer request today. I have been experiencing extreme lower back pain this week and having difficulty with my normal routine. On top of that, I’m getting on a plane for a 2 hour flight tomorrow and a weekend with my daughter and grandkids whom I haven’t seen for several months. Please pray for immediate and complete healing so I can be the Mama and Nana I long to be and not just “there” and in pain. Thank you ladies.
@ERB – thanks for sharing those thoughts! Like you said- working on believing and obeying without doubting… believing and obeying even when I don’t understand what God is up to… Peter and Rhoda are both such great examples of that.
Amen
Amen, amen. Truly truly may it be so.
It’s important to remember that, just as God rescued Peter miraculously, He also allowed James to be killed. His ways are higher than ours, and He is worthy of praise even when we don’t understand the heartbreaking situations. Can we trust Him in both scenarios?
Who knew Acts was so fun and full of acts?! Goodness and Truth. This is what we need in our lives Heavenly Father, please fill us up with your goodness and truth. Help me to be a light to shine and faithful through it all, the good and the bad, the heaviness of the world, the confusion of life. You are our compass, You give us your Word,…You live IN US! Please I pray that I can be those hands and feet for You dear Lord, in Jesus name AMEN and AMEN!
We celebrated with our small neigborhood and friends last night to say goodbye to one of our dearest that is moving to be close to family. When we moved here 2 years ago she is one of the first we met. She walks her dog daily and always greets everyone with a smile, and on Friday nights she and another friend sit in her front drive, a firepit ready, and plenty of chairs (this part in the “winter” months being in south Florida!). Everyone that walks by (dogs and all), is welcome to sit and hang out. It’s a way of bringing our community together, but more so, she is a true Christian that wants to always show love, Jesus’love to all. And people see that. We can all do small things that touch the ones we are around.
If you could say a little prayer for my dad please, as I found out yesterday that he went to the hospital fearing pneumonia, again, but was transferred last night to a different hospital for his heart. His wife was unable to go with him, so he is alone. I pray for his comfort and peace, he has had a hard time the last few years with breathing issues and getting nowhere with relief.