When Suffering brings Progress
“And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests… immediately the king sent a soldier … and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter.” (Mark 6:26-28)
“But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” (Acts 12:24)
This is a season for commemorating the Saints of the Reformation Era; Martin Luther in Germany, Archbishop Cranmer in England and John Calvin in Switzerland all suffered greatly while on duty. Each deserves a whole book, yet there are many others like Bishop Ridley and Bishop Latimer. Some of these were burned at stake! Mark’s gospel recounts the death of John the Baptist in such grim terms. These would seem to put out the candle of the gospel, but…
At the heart of the book of Acts we find more heart-breaking episodes that could almost have heralded the death of what had started only months ago on the day of Pentecost. As the Church took off in the power of the Holy Spirit, it was met with tough persecution at the hands of both leading Jews and the ruling Roman imperialists. In Chapter 12, James is killed and Peter imprisoned; these were in Jesus’ inner circle and were indeed the pre-eminent apostles. Was it Herod’s method to ‘cut off the head’ and scatter the rest of the body? The early and untimely death of potent James will forever remain a puzzle to anyone who dares think about his journey with his Master; much more ministry was expected of him – far reaching missionary journeys and church plants, and powerful revolutionary testimonies, as one who shared in closer fellowship. What do you think the other disciples thought when James was killed?
While they were still reeling in that loss, Peter was imprisoned! He was guarded by four squads of four soldiers each, and Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. It was another big fish! Peter’s miraculous escape did more harm than good: Herod’s anger flared, he put to death some soldiers; and what would he have done to Peter if he were to catch him again? Dismember him in public perhaps, or burn him in fire or crucify him? This was the tension in the Church, yet they did not lose heart. They prayed fervently. God executed Herod and he was eaten by worms and died in his throne; this was not the end to the difficulties and suffering though.
That ‘the word of God continued to spread and flourish’ despite the persecutions and difficulties and suffering is testament of the invincibility of the Holy Spirit’s work. Nothing and no one can come against Him – not earthly rulers, not human weakness, not forces of darkness, not primitive cultures – absolutely nothing. Questions may linger about some painful seasons or incidents in your Christian walk; but when you keep attentive, led by the Holy Spirit, it will always bring progress and strength to you and to the Church. Apart from being saved, you need to give yourself as an agent of propagating the Word of God; in so labouring, all suffering brings progress.
God bless you all.