Scripture to Read: Luke 3:18–20
God used John mightily, and as He did, the spiritual forces of darkness sought to shut John down. We read in Luke 3:18–20, “So with many other exhortations he preached the gospel to the people. 19 But when Herod the tetrarch was reprimanded by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the wicked things which Herod had done, 20 Herod also added this to them all: he locked John up in prison.” God used John to preach the gospel, and as John preached, he called out people’s sinful ways. One of the people John called out was one of the Herodian rulers, Herod, who was sleeping with his brother Philip’s wife, along with many other wicked things he had done. Herod then had John arrested and put into prison. When truth is proclaimed, the spiritual forces of wickedness will do all they can to shut it down (Ephesians 6:12). When we speak the truth, we must always speak it in love (Ephesians 4:14–15). God has called us to be bold witnesses for Him and to lead others to know and follow Jesus (Matthew 28:19–20). No matter what kind of persecution we may face, we must fulfill the ministry God has called us to and never waver due to the tests and trials of this life. The persecution is guaranteed (John 15:18, 1 John 3:13, 1 Peter 3:14) but it is worth it knowing we are fulfilling what our Lord has commanded us to do and that we bring Him glory, honor, and praise.
Challenge & Application
How are you fulfilling God’s call upon your life as one of His children?
What persecutions have you faced as you have walked in obedience to our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!