On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” (Acts 4:23-24)
Isn’t it amazing that when Peter and John were discharged from jail, the church was already assembled, no doubt praying for their release? Because they had praised God and prayed, the Jewish leaders freed Peter and John. I can imagine how excited the early church was. They must’ve hung on every word that Peter and John said. When Peter and John finished speaking, the congregants prayed, raising their voices in unity.
I’ve been to many churches where people were divided against their leaders. This often happens in churches where there is a church hierarchy and ministers are encouraged to be promoted to a larger church or to be a bishop. Some people don’t respond well to a change of preachers even though Romans 13 commands us to be united behind our leaders. Disunity hinders a church from being a part of the body of Christ because time and energy is wasted on in-church fighting that could be spent in the mission field.
Father God, help me be united with those you have put in authority even though I may not agree with them. Remind me to pray for Joe Biden, my preacher, my boss, and my parents. As a leader to others, help me be humble, encourage, and be a good example to those you’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.