Why Do The Heathen Rage?

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed . [Psalms 2: 1-2]

When Peter and John had gone up to the Temple to pray in Acts chapter 3, they saw a man who was lame from birth. They had compassion on him and were moved to heal him in the name of Jesus. Right away {Immediately} the religious leaders forcibly grabbed both of them [Acts 4:3] and put them in prison. The following day, with boldness, Peter and John declared this miracle {the healing of the lamb man} was done in the name of  Jesus The Christ. I love what the "religious" leaders said next --- "they perceived that they were unlearned men and they marveled at their boldness!" Why were they bold? They had been with Jesus, the great I AM, and the leaders took note of that! Today when we stand bold for Christ people will notice it!

It is no surprise that the world rages, and are so against the Messiah. Psalms 2 declares and says it very clearly. Every year there are thousands of believers suffering and dying for their faith, for the most part because the leaders and the rulers of the earth rage and go against the Lord and His anointed. As followers of the Lord we should expect this and be prepared for it when it comes. This very thing is happening all over the world and as we see Islam getting stronger in this country we will begin to see the same thing.

The examples, in the Bible, of Peter and John, are there to inspire and encourage us. The same as it is with every other true Christian martyr who has suffered and died in the service of the Lord. When the time of persecution comes for us, we too can be bold as Peter and John. We can be bold and strong as a lion. And this boldness is not merely human bravery, but an unction from the Holy Spirit. It is not by power or might, but it is by the Holy Spirit. Silver and gold we may not have, but such as we have we can, in the name of Jesus, give it to the world.  So, though the rulers of the earth will rage, our simple faith and Holy Spirit boldness will testify that we too have been with Jesus!