June 20
Bible Reading: Acts 4:23-31
Acts 4:23-24, “When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God…”
The religious leaders could not deny that a miraculous event had taken place (Acts 4:16). Showing no interest as to how it happened, they charged Peter and John to not “speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). Peter refused to abide by their demands, but the leaders let them go “because of the people” (Acts 4:21). The newly born church faced its first major obstacle. The ministry efforts of the Apostles extremely displeased the powerful religious leaders. What was the church to do?
The church was born out of a prayer meeting (Acts 1:14). In its infancy, it was “devoted” to prayer (Acts 2:42). It was only natural then, in dealing with this ominous threat, for them to seek God’s help. Prayer is fundamental to the health and growth of the church. To borrow from a Hudson Taylor quote: If the church is to advance in its influence, it must do so “on its knees.”
Those early believers knew what to do in responding to trouble—in one accord, they “lifted their voices together to God” (Acts 4:24). What did they pray? Their prayer was not merely a request, but rather an act of worship. They acknowledged God to be the Creator of all things (Acts 4:24). They recalled prophetic warning of opposition to “His Anointed” (Acts 4:25-27). They acknowledged His sovereignty (Acts 4:28). They asked for but one thing—that He would grant them “to continue to speak (His) word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29). Their prayer was that God would grant them confidence in the face of opposition, while He continued to make Himself known through signs and wonders (Acts 4:30).
Did God hear them? How could they know? The God who created the earth, shook it (Acts 4:31). Our prayers will not likely meet with such dramatic outcome, but God’s Word nevertheless assures us of His attentiveness (1 John 5:14-15). Did God answer their prayer? “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). The church continued “with great power” proclaiming the truth about Jesus (Acts 4:33).
The discerning Christian is well aware of the ongoing threats and opposition faced by the church in our day. What are we to do? We would do well to follow the example of those who have gone before us! The formula for the growth of the early church was relatively simple: the church grew as the Spirit worked and the people prayed. Much prayer, much power! And vice versa.
Much prayer; much power!
I MUST TELL JESUS
I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.
Refrain:
I must tell Jesus!
I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus!
I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end. [Refrain]
Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share. [Refrain]
O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the vict’ry to win. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 