Be careful what you ask for
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. -Acts 5:41 (NIV)
No one enjoys suffering, and certainly the apostles were no exception. But they did not let the prospect of suffering, torture, or even death keep them from sharing the story of Jesus. To the contrary, they were honored to walk in the footsteps of their Lord. The flogging they had just endured would be the first of hundreds of beatings, punishments, imprisonments, and other hardships these men would suffer for the sake of the gospel.
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. -Acts 5:42 (NIV)
The way the church moved past the borders of Jerusalem was to be driven out. The new Christians would have apparently been content to stay in the city, presumably awaiting the return of Christ. But Jesus had already told them what would happen (Acts 1:8), just prior to his departure. Escaping the authorities, Christians fled to Judea, Samaria, and beyond. They carried with them the gospel story they had seen and heard and experienced. And the Kingdom grew.
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. -Acts 8:1 (NIV)
The persecution intended to stop Christianity had the opposite effect. As we pray for revival today, we need to be aware that revival often comes with, or on the heels of, a season of trial and persecution. We see it in Scripture, and we see it in our world today. The church seems to grow and thrive in areas where the challenges appear to be the most acute. Why would that be? Well, persecution makes us more focused, more united, more dependent on God. It also has a tendency to separate the wheat from the chaff – it leaves no room for nominal Christianity. I will continue to pray for revival. And as I do so, I think I’ll be wise to buckle up!
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. -Acts 8:4 (NIV)
P.S. Here's a random thought. The “church model” we’re focusing on now, with COVID-imposed restrictions limiting the size, duration, and activities associated with many of our gatherings, resembles, in many ways, both the early church and “the way church is done” in many parts of the world, especially in areas where the church is under attack. What if this season is a practice run for what church could look like for us in the not-too-distant future? My point is, God is still God and the church is still the church. When it’s easy and when it’s hard. Let us be faithful and courageous, regardless the circumstances. Heads up, eyes open, men!