“It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.  He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.  When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.  After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.” (Acts 12:4) 

     The persecution of the church in Jerusalem had escalated.  King Herod, the political leader of the Jews, killed the disciple James and imprisoned Peter.  We could ask: Where was God in all of this chaos? 

     We need to remember that God gives us free will, and we are continually fighting against evil.  For example, the Cold War officially ended in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union, but there is no way that we can eradicate evil, because plenty of threats against humanity are still taking place.  The battle of good vs. evil continues, and everything good comes from God.

     This is why the church of Jesus Christ must be persistent and determined to spread the Good News of our faith, much in the same manner of the early church.  We can exemplify the goodness and love of God for all the world to see.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the Good News for us to share.  Help us to not be discouraged, and to remain hopeful until the day of your return.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.