HEROD’S HARASSING HAND

“…and because he (Herod) saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also.” – Acts 12:3

REFERENCE:

ACTS 12:1-4

Herod Agrippa was an enemy of the Church. History reveals that he was a self-seeking king who loved popularity and courted the favor of the Jewish people. Hence, he attacked the Church, a threat to Judaism at the time, to score some points with the Jews. Different versions describe what Herod did to the Church differently; ERV says, “King Herod began to do harm to some of those…of the church,” while the Passion translation says, “King Herod incited persecution against the church, causing great harm to the believers…”

To harass is to do evil, to harm, and to injure. It is to annoy persistently, worry by repeated attacks, and create a hostile situation for (someone), especially by verbal or physical assault. The hand is a symbol of power for good or evil. By stretching out his hand, Herod went all out to harass the believers, using all the power of his crown to quash the Church. He aimed to silence the Church and make her irrelevant.

Our text says Herod harassed ‘some’ from the Church; not everyone. What criteria he used to choose, we do not know; so, those not affected immediately may have felt safe. For this reason, the devil working through Herod, upped the stakes and went for bigger fish; he arrested and killed James. When he saw that it pleased the Jewish people, and the Church did not resist him, he went for Peter. Satan targeted the pillars in the Church to destroy them. It is a classic example of striking the shepherd to scatter the sheep.

Have you noticed a pattern of satanic harassment around you, your family, or your colleagues? You cannot afford to ignore the devil or hope he will stop his provocations; he will only up the stakes and go for more. Refuse to let him take your business, health, finances, or your mind. Stand up against him; break his hold over your life and actively resist his harassing hands in your life. The Church eventually had to stand up against the devil. That was their victory.

I call forth divine angelic undertakings, reinforcements, and assistance over you and all that concerns you. May God’s angels excel in strength on your behalf for divine rescues, sudden turnarounds, supernatural deliverances, and breakthroughs. Henceforth, Herod’s harassing hand is removed, and God’s hand is upon you to prosper and bless you in Jesus’ name. Amen!

 PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY: 

Psalm 103:20, Isaiah 59:19, Deuteronomy 28:7 & James 4:7

PRAYER POINTS

+ Lord, I put on the whole armor of God and declare divine protection over me and mine. I pull down strongholds, cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Jesus Christ in the body of Christ.

+ I override & annul every diabolical sanction, directive, order, or mandate that opposes the will of God as it concerns my life, family, businesses, and health. I end all satanic harassment and contentions concerning your people, O Lord.