Light vs. Darkness

Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. (Acts 12:1-2)

The church of Jesus Christ is never at home in this world, and the more contrast there is between the children of light and the children of darkness, the more uncomfortable our lives here will be. That is why it is such a sad thing to witness Christians endeavoring to be friends with the world, "giving back," serving the community, etc. These sound like noble and desirable goals, but the Lord saved us for a much higher purpose -- to glorify Jesus Christ. Yet, some are drawn back to the world out of a sense of their own righteousness and the needs of people that have nothing to do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For them, the offense of the Cross has ceased, because they seek to please men and to be highly thought of for their good works. This is a strong temptation, because it appeals to a sense of our own adequacy and goodness, when the Scriptures make it clear that no one is good but God. Lord, help us!

Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 

James was not killed because he was doing good things, but he was killed because of his powerful witness of Jesus Christ. The peace and prosperity of the Jerusalem church was challenged by the brutal tactics of a tyrant king, whose ultimate aim was to be seen as God; therefore, the church of the living God was threat to him, and Satan incited him to violence. Even today, the true church is faced with the demand to bow before the political and cultural gods of this world, or to face persecution at the hands of those “Herods,” who would be God. But the children of light stand apart as pilgrims and strangers in the world, and they have no need to be included or accepted by men. Our days here may be difficult, and we may never find ourselves comfortable in this world, but there awaits the crown of life for all who endure to the end. May the Lord give us strength and discernment in these things.

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, we look forward to the rule of the Kingdom of Heaven on the earth. Until then, give us strength, power, and protection from the enemy. May our witness only get stronger as the opposition increases. Be glorified in Your children. Amen.