The Unstoppable Word

Scripture: Acts 12:24-25 (NASB95)

But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark.

Cowboy Wisdom

At the start of Acts 12, Herod's sitting high on his throne and the church is suffering under his boot. By the end of the chapter, Herod's dead and buried, and the church is growing like wildfire across a dry prairie. That's the pattern throughout history—God's enemies rise up, make their threats, do their worst, and then fade into dust while God's Word keeps marching forward. You can't stop what God has set in motion, no matter how much power or influence you think you have.

Peter had to silence the rejoicing Christians to keep them safe, but nobody can silence God's Word. Men have tried for two thousand years—they've banned it, burned it, and killed those who preached it. But it keeps spreading, keeps changing lives, keeps growing and multiplying. The Word of God is like a river that can't be dammed—it'll find a way through, over, or around any obstacle you put in its path.

Now here's the question I'm putting to you: are you in a prison today? Maybe it's not a physical prison like Peter's, but a prison of sin, addiction, fear, or doubt. Do you need to be set free? Because the same God who sent His angel to break Peter out of that Roman prison can break you out of whatever's holding you captive. He can do it—those chains that bind you are no match for the God who breaks chains and opens iron gates. You just need to ask Him.

Questions for Reflection

• What "prison" might be holding you captive today?

• How have you seen God's Word continue to grow despite opposition in your life?

• Are you contributing to the spread of God's Word, or have you gone silent?

Prayer Focus

Thank God that His Word cannot be stopped or silenced. Ask Him to break any chains that are holding you captive. Pray for boldness to share the Gospel and for the Word to continue growing and multiplying in your community and around the world.