Praying Through Resistance
The drama of Acts of the Apostles intensified with increased resistance from the religious leaders toward the members of the early church (Acts 4:23–31). Peter and John were arrested and warned not to teach in the name of Jesus the Nazarene (Acts 4:1–22). Obeying men rather than God, a new and unwanted temptation, heightened the tension of fulfilling their task — the great commission (Mt 28:19–20; Acts 1:8). Returning to their companions to report the events surely led to a discussion on the reality of these new consequences. What to do? They chose to pray.
Prayer is communication with God. It is an act of faith and an exercise in our repertoire of worship options. Resistance comes to believers as part of God’s plan for our maturity. The patriarchs, the judges, the good kings, the prophets, Jesus, and the early church shared in the common experience of resistance from kings and rulers. If God would ordain the crucifixion for His Son (Acts 2:23; 4:27–28), Jesus Messiah, then we are subject to God’s divine plan of resistance…even unto death.
In praying, we worship the Creator, remember His warning about our trouble, take solace in His sovereignty (Ps 115:3; 135:6; Rom 8:28), and make petitions for ourselves and for others (Phil 4:6; 1 Thess 5:17; Jas 5:16). Where in the Bible is the ultimate prayer in the midst of ultimate resistance?
The prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane should help us to pray (Mt 26:36–46). Jesus told His disciples to pray that they would not enter into temptation. Why? Jesus being tempted, grieved, and distressed said, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death…” Jesus was in agony over the situation. The problem with temptation is that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus prayed to the Father for deliverance if it were possible. How could it be? As the Deliverer, to let the cup pass would be unfaithful to His eternal role and function as the Son of God and Savior of His people (Mt 1:21; Titus 2:13). Obedience, as a concept, has never been understood like it was with these words, in the face of resistance and in the place of temptation, “yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt…Thy will be done.”
Men of God never shy away from revealing God to their people. With resistance they are warned (4:18), hemmed in (5:18), conspired against (6:9); misrepresented (6:13); railed against (7:54); removed (7:58); and destroyed. Here is the temptation, to run when the torches and swords of the mob can be seen over the valley…slowly encroaching. The truth is betrayed, arrested, tested, perverted against, abused, scourged, crushed, and yet, found indestructible.
Despite the threat, “Grant that Thy bond-servants may speak Thy word with all confidence,” was the petition on that day of temptation and consequence. While some run from their responsibility, some masquerade while withholding knowledge from the people, and others find infinite subjects for vain pontification; by contrast, these men and women prayed. God rocked their world, as He filled them with His Spirit of power and boldness (4:31). Facing resistance, Jesus said, “let us pray.” The early church said, “let us pray.” The Spirit says, “let us pray.” And the preacher says, “let us pray.” So, let us pray.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
May 30, 2021
