In this world, some patterns are almost inevitable.
Acts 4:21 – So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
___________________
Take a moment to briefly review the first 22 verses of the fourth chapter of Acts. Great power encounters great need; great power overcomes great need in a wonderful, kind, good, and creative way; those who have positional power (authority) attack those with operational power (ability) because the light is taken off position (authority) and is focused on operation (ability). And that, my friend, is one of those patterns of life in this world, and it is as old as the ages. It was Cain’s pattern with Abel; Joseph’s brothers’ pattern with Joseph (favor in their case); Absalom’s pattern against David; the religious community’s pattern toward Jesus, and the priests and Sadducees’ pattern toward the disciples. The characters may change, the appearance of circumstances may differ somewhat, but the pattern remains the same.
It is no different today. When men do good, especially when Christian people do good, that action (operation) takes attention from those with position or high rank, and they don’t like it. Their response is usually in the attack mode. It could be physical, even brutal, or emotional, verbal, and in some twisted legal manner, always with threats of some kind, and always filled with intent to get the attention back on themselves. It is not to actually stop the good, for if they could, they would do good themselves. But, alas, in their present state, that is not possible.
To do the supernatural good works requires relationship with Jehovah, integrity of heart, a focused anointing, and a complete yielding to Holy Spirit. Our heavenly Father longs to perform good works like the one found in our discussion. It is not His will that any should perish, nor that any be found with sickness or disease, or suffer lack. Yet such suffering is common in our world, and one of the chief reasons is the same for what we see in this Second Miler. We have people with authority but little or no ability being the voice of authority. And when someone with ability comes along, those with authority will generally use whatever means they can to keep the authority. Oh, that God would send us people of ability who are bold enough to speak the Word that God will confirm with signs following! God has not changed, but it is time the church did. We MUST change into that which our Lord intends – a glorious church without spot, wrinkle, or blemish – a church of good works. Yes, attacks will come, but so will Holy Ghost freedom, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Manna for Today – Acts 4:1-22; John 14:12-14; Matthew 5:2-12; 2 Corinthians 3:17
My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 