Peter & John is taken to Jail – Acts 4:3-5
This is one of the earliest persecutions faced by Peter and John, the Apostles of Jesus. They were seized and held against their own will. They were seized because of the message and works of the Kingdom of God. They were seized and put in jail or in modern terms, we say they were held in custody for a trial or investigation.
The work of the Kingdom is demanding and has suffered violence. However, due to great conviction, unwavering faith and strong will, violence cannot overcome it. Do you hold a conviction about God’s Kingdom and He who reigns in this Kingdom?
Peter is regarded as one of the oldest Apostle (age-wise), while John was regarded as the youngest. This reminds us that age should not deter us from our desire and resolve to work for God’s Kingdom. We are neither too young nor too old to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God. In our close circles or in large gatherings, when and where the opportunity presents itself, we should not hesitate to engage in the works of the Kingdom.
Some may say, I cannot preach! I don’t know how to preach! Should this stop us from promoting God’s Kingdom? The answer is No!
We can manifest God’s Kingdom in our space by simply promoting the truth in our environment. This little contribution may affect thousands of lives and bring them into the revelation of God’s Kingdom. The message that Peter and John preached was heard by many, some believed while others decided to persecute Peter and John. Same way, not everyone is disposed to listening to/accepting the truth. Not everyone desires the Kingdom of God.
Regardless of the choice of the world, we are called to speak truth to every situation; we are called to proclaim the message of God’s Kingdom; in our words and action.
Today the world is devoid of truth, in all circles. In the church, in the family, in the school, in government, and everywhere you find two or more persons: enshrining the truth is difficult. Where there is no truth the Kingdom of God does not reign there. Where there is no truth we find strife, war, pain, deception, disaster, confusion and a litany of other woes. Where there is no truth, we find falsehood and the works of iniquity.
Today Peter and John charge us to be bearers of the truth so that God’s Kingdom can be enshrined around us. There may be persecution or violence against us, but that should not deter us from speaking the truth.
The truth, the revelation of God’s Kingdom, brings peace; especially to the bearer of the truth. The truth brings liberation, again, especially to the bearer of the truth and to those who hear and accept it.
As Jesus said, “May thy Kingdom come, may thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We are all called to be bearers of the truth to ensure that God Kingdom would manifest all around us.
This write up was tagged “The message that Convicts!” and my question is, Who does the message really convict? The Apostles taken to jail or the accusers who regardless of seeing the manifestation of the message of the Kingdom choose to hold the apostles captive?
Whenever we choose to say the truth, who is convicted? And who is liberated? May thy Kingdom Come. Amen!
Speechlesswaters