Learn to be vigilant with the apostles of Jesus "Keep on the watch with me." - MAT. 26:38. VIGILANT ABOUT PRAYERS Listen now to a second lesson we can learn on surveillance of our brethren in the first century: they were vigilant about prayer. (1 Pet. 4:7) Persevere in prayer is essential to remain alert. Remember that, in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest, Jesus told the three apostles: "Keep watch and pray continually." - Matthew 26:41. Peter, who was present at the time, later felt firsthand the power of fervent prayer. (Read Acts 12:1-6.) In the opening verses of this account we see that to gain favor with the Jews, Herod was cruel to Christians. Probably he knew that James was an apostle who had had a close relationship with Jesus. For this reason, Herod killed James "by the sword." (Verse 2) Thus the congregation lost a beloved apostle. What proof for the brothers! What Herod did next? Verse 3 says: "Seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also." But the prisons could not always handle the apostles, including Peter. (Acts 5:17-20) It is quite possible that Herod knew that. This astute politician took no chances. Pedro gave the "four groups of four soldiers each to guard him, as he intended to introduce you to the people after the Passover." (Verse 4) Imagine! Herod Peter chained between two guards, with 16 guards working in shifts day and night to ensure that the Apostle did not flee. The intention was to present Peter Herod the people after the Passover and give the death sentence as a gift to cheer the crowds. In these dire circumstances, what the fellow Christians of Peter could do? The congregation knew what to do. In verse 5 we read: "Therefore, Peter was being kept in prison, but the congregation was intensely praying to God for him." Prayers of the members of the congregation on behalf of his beloved brother were intense and fervent supplications. Therefore the death of James was not desperate, nor led them to consider ineffective prayers. Instead, they knew that the prayers of faithful worshipers mean a lot to Jehovah. If these prayers are in harmony with His will, it services. - Heb. 13:18, 19; Tia. 5:16. What can we learn from the reaction of fellow Christians of Peter? Remain vigilant involves praying not only for ourselves but also for our brothers. (Eph. 6:18) You know brothers who are going through trials? Some may be suffering persecution, proscription governmental or natural disasters. Why not pray earnestly for them? Perhaps you know others who are going through afflictions less evident. Maybe you struggle with family problems, depression or illness. What about thinking of someone specific you can mention by name when speaking to Jehovah, the "Hearer of prayer"? - Psalm 65:2. But what happened to Peter? During his last night in jail, he went through a series of amazing episodes. (Read Acts 12:7-11.) Visualize what happened: while fast asleep between two guards, suddenly a light shone in his cell. An angel, apparently invisible to guards hastily agreed Peter. And the chains that bound his hands just fell! Then the angel led Peter out of the cell, past the guards posted on the outside and the huge iron gate that opened "for yourself." When they were outside the prison, the angel disappeared. Peter was free! 16 It strengthens faith reflect on the power of Jehovah to rescue his servants? Obviously we do not expect nowadays Jehovah miraculously deliver us. But we have full faith that he uses his power in behalf of his people today. (2 Chron. 16:9) Through his powerful holy spirit, it can enable us to face any trial that we suffer. (2 Cor 4:7, 2 Pet. 2:9) And Jehovah will soon give powers to his Son to free countless millions of the most bitter of prisons, death. (John 5:28, 29) Our faith in the promises of God can give us tremendous courage to trials. Obviously, there is much to learn about surveillance with the apostles and other early Christians mentioned in the biblical book of Acts. As we await the end of the old system, we are determined to emulate these first-century Christians to witness with courage and zeal. There is now greater privilege than "give thorough witness" about the Kingdom of God. - Acts 28:23.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 12:55:43 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015