SUNDAY, APRIL 14
Scripture: Romans 13:3, Acts 12:5, Romans 12, Luke 18:1-7

Romans 13:3 says, “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority, exousia, Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.” Our rulers as stated are sheriffs, police, military and judges. They are called to bring forth the righteous rule of God. What happens when those rulers bring forth demonic rule. Then what the early church did is what we have to do. We have to pray judgment like the early church. “Forsake not wisdom and she will preserve you, love her and she will keep you.” That is one reason that Jesus came. At whatever level satan resists us, as God’s agents we respond by praying judgment. That is what it means to be a son of God. It took the death of Jesus to overcome but He willingly died. Does God expect the same thing of us? Jesus is the Pattern, He in His Own Sonship is the pattern and model for our own Sonship. Rulers are a terror not to good works but to those who do evil. Did the early church terrorize those who did evil? God terminated Ananias and Sapphira? Will God hear us? We face the same level of evil. We have judges and politicians responsible for killing over 60 million innocent babies. Herod killed James and threatened Peter! Acts 12:5 says, “Constant prayer was offered to God for Peter by the church.” God sent angels to release Peter and kill Herod! Our Bible in Romans 12:3 says, “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.” That is true for righteous rulers who are obeying God. When government leaders commit evil like Herod, it is up to the church leaders to appeal for justice. Jesus committed Himself to God for justice and got it! Romans 12:19 says that we can’t avenge ourselves but we should appeal to God for covenant vengeance. Jesus taught the same thing in Luke 18:1-7. Our job is to ask God for covenant judgment! In the last days the prayers of the saints move God’s Hand! Samuel moved God’s Hand, Moses moved God’s Hand, Paul moved God’s Hand! Mature sons and daughters of God are confident in the rights and privileges of their inheritance and capable of moving His Hand by asking!