Jim Stephens' Gracenotes from Resource Ministries International

Another Meanwhile

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Acts 12:20-25

20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod’s country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant, 21 and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. 22 The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!” 23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. 24 Meanwhile, God’s Good News was spreading rapidly, and there were many new believers. 25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them. (Acts 12:20-25 NLT)

Now, here’s the latest news from Jerusalem: (Acts 11:29-30) “Saul (soon to be Paul the apostle), and his friend and mentor Barnabas, traveled from Antioch to Jerusalem with a relief gift for the suffering and persecuted Christians there. (Acts 12:1-2) King Herod Agrippa has executed James, the brother of John, one of the original twelve apostles. (Acts 12:3-19) Peter was arrested and imprisoned, and would have been publicly tried, convicted and executed, but an angel sprung him from the jail. Christ-followers prayed for his release. They prayed individually and they prayed at “prayer meetings.” This just in: (Acts 12:20-23) The despot Herod accepted worship that should have been offered to God, and was struck down by an angel! He subsequently died a horrible death!”

How easy it is to get caught up in the details of a part of the story and lose sight of the main thing!

  • How easy it is to think that the point of the story is how things are going for me!
  • How easy it is to be worried about the economy and how it will affect me!
  • How easy it is to be distressed by a problem or lulled by a blessing!
  • How easy it is to be distracted by a Bad News newsflash!

How easy it is to forget that God’s Good News is spreading, and God’s Kingdom is being established in the hearts and lives of people who were once far from God!

Prayer:

Father, Please help me remember that my story and everyone else’s little story fits into your big story of Good News spreading, lives changed for eternity, and your Kingdom advancing one new believer at a time! Help me keep focused on your purpose and not get to thinking that the story is all about this or that newsflash or problem or blessing. Or all about me. Amen.