ACTS 12:24:  “But the word of God increased and multiplied.”

OBSERVATION:  I love to read these words!  I love to pray this prayer – “Lord increase Your Word in my life, the life of the church, and bring a multiplication of souls into Your Kingdom!”  Yet, when I look at the condition of our world and our culture I am often discouraged.  I am not alone.  I sense a malaise over the life of so many believers.  We know that all things are possible with God, but we see so much sin and oppression that we wonder if there may be nothing left ahead but judgment.

Judgment is inevitable for rebellious mankind.  All one has to do is read the Book of Revelation to see this.  Yet, the state of the world never dictates the state of the church or the power of God.  This one little verse in Acts 12 is preceded by an account of the great wickedness of Herod and God’s judgment upon him.

ACTS 12:21-23:  “On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.”

This does not seem a likely context for the Word of God increasing and multiplying.  Yet, this is the context.  The Word of God is not fettered by the condition of our culture, by those who are in authority over us, or by the impending judgment that is coming.  The Word of God is living and active, powerful and efficacious.  The Word of God continues to work through the hearts of God’s people as they call out to Him in faith and repentance.  The Word of God continues to increase and multiply through His Church!

So, as we look at the daily headlines, as we listen to the pundits of conventional wisdom, let us lift up our eyes and engage our hearts in faith and repentance.  Let us lay aside every weight and every sin that so easily besets us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  Let us proclaim the truth of God’s Word with boldness in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Let us contend and intercede for true revival.  Let us believe God for not only an increase through His Word, but the multiplication of His presence and blessing as we call upon His Name!  Let us believe the Lord to bring in a mighty harvest of souls into His Kingdom in these last days!  In Jesus Name!