Day 56: Acts 4:29-31

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”



Why would anybody want to hurt people that are trying to save them from hell? I don’t know, but they do. In many countries, it’s a crime to be a Christian. It’ll get you killed, tortured, or worse (and there is worse).


It’s been the same since the very beginning. Those that called God’s people away from their sins and back to their God were hated, despised, hunted, and killed. Jesus was no different, neither were the disciples, and we can’t expect anything different.


As we read today’s passage, we find the disciples at a turning point: the Holy Spirit has come, and they have begun to proclaim the message of Jesus, much to the dislike of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin has dealt with them the same way they dealt with Jesus. They beat the disciples. They imprisoned them.


Look at the disciples response. Their response should be the response of every Christian, especially a Christian leader. Basically, they asked God to give them strength in the face of the threats and to continue to work through them with healings, signs, and wonders. Amazing. Even more amazing is what happened next: They were answered and empowered for exactly what they asked for.


Do not miss the point here. Persecution will happen, and it will do one of two things: it will drive you away or it will drive you to your knees. The Christian leader will let God handle the persecution as they continue to speak the word of God in boldness. Jesus didn’t let His crucifiction stop Him from boldness, and we can’t let a little (or a lot) of persecution stop us.


CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Persecution will happen to every Christian. Go to God in prayer when it happens and pray for boldness despite the persecution.


Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Matthew 13:1-23


Prayer: Father, when persecution comes, give me strength to stand. Help me come to you instead of shrinking away. Thank you for giving me strength. In Christ’s name, amen.