MEMORISE: Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5
BIBLE READING: Acts 12:1-5 (KJV)
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw it pleased* the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.* (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
MESSAGE:
One bad phenomenon I have noticed in this generation is the enthusiasm for online content creation, even when it concerns awkward situations. I saw a cartoon illustration where a fellow slipped off a cliff into the river and was drowning: rather than try to help the fellow or call for help, the people who witnessed the incident brought out their phones and started recording the incident. I once read in the news how a group of people burned some youths alive, and others recorded it online.
The rate at which evil is increasing and is being publicised online is alarming and disheartening to God. When bad things happen, God expects you and I to pray fervently to stop the work of darkness; He does not expect us to only comment on the incidents or make jest of the victims. Today’s Bible reading showed that the church interceded for Peter when he was imprisoned. God answered their prayers and set his servant free. My dear child, the next time you hear that someone was kidnapped or hospitalised, please pray for them.
When you hear about domestic violence between a couple, please pray for them. Do not go about gossiping; rather, ask God to intervene in such matters.
Quiz: Why did the early church pray for Peter when Herod put him in prison?
KEY POINT:
Don’t just comment about bad incidents; rather, pray for those involved because God expects you to do so.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ezekiel 3:16-6:14, Hebrews 4:1-16