The story of the persecution continues:
“About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some
who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and
when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also.”
The church has always faced a hostile environment. Followers
of Jesus should not assume that they will face a conflict-free world. For over
200 years American Christians have experienced the ability to worship in safety
and security. To declare that you worship King Jesus will always put you in
conflict with this world.
The story does not end with the hostility the church finds
in its environment. The chapter that began with the words we read above, ends
with these words:
“On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his
seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were
shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the
Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten
by worms and breathed his last.”
Do not claim God’s place: God is a jealous God.
Ronald Friesen © 2015
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