SCRIPTURE: Acts 12
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.’ [John 19:11]
Jesus reminds Pilate that his authority is not ultimate, but dependent.
Herod discovers this the hard way.
Though he has power to take James’ life, and to execute his soldiers when Peter escapes, his power is dependent upon God’s permission.
God allows leaders a measure of freedom, but always within His grand purpose.

For some reason, God intervenes for Peter, but not for James, and also not for Stephen [Acts 7].
We do not know specifically why, but in general we know that it all served to advance God purposes of spreading the message of Jesus.
We know that through Stephen’s death and the persecution that followed, the scattered believers spread the message wherever they went.
Here also, after James dies and Peter is released, we hear again that the message (word) is spreading far and wide.
No amount of political opposition or prison or chains can hinder God’s purpose.
His authority is the highest. He guides people and circumstances to advance His kingdom.

Interesting, we have the believers praying, yet struggling to believe that Peter might actually be free.
I can appreciate this, it is often hard to be confident in how God will respond to our prayers.
He sometimes says ‘yes’ (like when they prayed for Peter’s deliverance); He sometimes says ‘no’ (like when they prayed for James’ deliverance).
I am encouraged by their example of prayer, I am also encouraged that they had a hard time believing; it assures me that I am not the only one.

And then there is Herod.
Like Pilate, he has no ultimate authority, only derived authority – under God.
Like Ananias and Sapphira, his death is not as normal pattern, but a warning.
Certainly he is not the first, nor the last, to not give glory to God.
But God uses his life and death as an example of the ultimate outcome for any who set themselves up against God.

And the word of God continues to spread.
Still to this day.
The gates of hell will not prevail against Jesus’ mission movement.
This is encouragement for today, and a reminder to keep on praying, and believing, that God is God, and that His kingdom is coming.
Do not let any political circumstances change your mind on this.
All things are unfolding according to God’s plan. He is in control.

PRAYER:
Lord, You are in charge, and nothing can stop Your kingdom from coming. May I join You, and not stand in Your way!