4:23 And being let go,
they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and
elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to
God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and
the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David
have said:
‘Why did the nations
rage, and the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the
earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and
against His Christ.’ (Psalm 2:1,2)
27 “For truly against
Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with
the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever
Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on
their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak
Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders
may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had
prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were
all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
There is so much here but let’s focus in. Peter and John have
been released and have rejoined the believers. Tensions are high. The
realization is sinking in that they are standing against the entire
religious/political system of Judaism while defending and representing their
own Messiah to them. In the face of this impossible situation what do they do?
They pray. I could just stop here and it would be enough. However I want to
explore Who they are praying to.
Think about it. They address Him both as the Creator of
heaven, earth, the sea, and all that is in them as well as the One who foretold
the very predicament they are in hundreds of years in advance. In other words
they are praying to the God of prophecy.
Prophecy is often deeply misunderstood. Too often it is
crystal ball type stuff. We attempt to determine the future with the Bible not
realizing that that really isn’t the primary purpose of prophecy. Do you
remember what Jesus said the night Judas betrayed Him? First He said what would
happen and who would do it. He prophesied. Then He said this: “I’m telling you
these things beforehand so that when it comes to pass you will know that I Am
He.” (John 13)

So here they stand. The entire religious and political system
is against them yet the God of space and time is behind them. They need just
one thing. Boldness. Boldness to stand against the waves of opposition.
Boldness to declare Jesus to a people that has killed Him. Boldness to defy the
law of man and proclaim the Word of God.
Our context may be different but do we need boldness any
less? Are there no waves of opposition now? Are we not proclaiming a Man who
has fallen out of favour in our “enlightened” culture? Creator? Declares the
end from the Beginning? We have much to say to a world blinded by preconceived
ideas. Are we bold enough to say it?
When they lacked boldness they gathered together and prayed.
What will we do?
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