The Word of God Grew and Multiplied

SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 12

The Word of God Grew and Multiplied

Text: Acts 12:24

The Word of God is powerful. The Word of God is permanent and unassailable by men or any other being. We understand the Word of God to Something awesome, incredible, magnificent, and never-changing. Those who are the children of God will consider the Word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ to be inseparable – and therefore sharing the same characteristics one with another. Eternal, Holy, Sovereign – these describe both our Lord and the Word of God that is delivered unto us. And yet, our text (which is found in the Word of God) declares that the Word of God grew and multiplied. How can something Perfect be altered? How can something Eternal grow at all? How can something Complete be increased? I think we need to consider that the text passage is not speaking of any growth or increase in the Word Itself, but in the effect of the Word upon the Creation, upon the people, upon the children of God.

In Persecution there Comes a Relief

Maybe this is the primary application for our text passage. The first Churches of Jesus Christ suffered great persecution. They were often in trouble, and sometimes even fearing for their lives. Stephen had been killed. Herod had just taken the Apostle James and slain him with the sword. The people of God were in danger, and they needed the Lord and His Strength! The Word of God is there when we need It. When persecution grows, the Word of God is there. The Presence of the Word of God in our lives is not only (often) the cause for persecution, but in It we always find relief from persecution. When the First Churches were persecuted; when the world rose up against them; when Herod even took the Apostle James and slew him; even then, the Word of God grew, succored, and gave relief to the ones who needed it. Acts 12:1-2; 6:7-10; Phil. 1:19-21

In Darkness there Comes a Light

When all around us is evil; when the darkness seems to grow and multiply – darker and darker; when wicked men and wicked women are in power and are seeking to drown the light; even then, God’s Word will reign supreme, and the growth of it in the lives of those who are given unto Him cannot be prevented. The world is wicked and evil – it is a dark place; and formerly, my place, and your place, was found in the depths of that darkness. But the darkness is not too dark for the Word of God! Where there is darkness, the Light can, and will, grow and multiply to the saving of the souls of men! Col. 1:3-6; Mt. 24:32-35; 2Cor. 4:3-6

In Ignorance there Comes Knowledge

The world of men – even (or especially) the world of religion – is very often blind to the Truth, and ignorant of the Glory of God and His Word. And yet, wherever there are souls destined unto salvation; wherever and whenever there are souls to edify or strengthen; and whenever there are lies of men and false religion to resist and deny; even there, the Word of God will grow and multiply. The effects of the Word of God defies even the sins of men. In salvation, the Word of God is the incorruptible seed by which we are born again unto salvation. This seed takes root within us. It grows and blossoms unto salvation. It brings forth fruit in the lives that we live and the words that we speak. The Word grows and is multiplied! Acts. 19:16-20; Rom. 1:15-17; 1Pet. 1:22-25

Conclusion

I don’t imagine or see any actual change in God or in His Word; but I do see growth and increase of It in the lives of others, and myself. The effects are wondrous to see and to feel! Surely, our God will accomplish His Word in your life and in mine. Surely, our God will perform His Word in the world around us and even in the worlds to come. This should give us certainty, confidence, and a reason to praise God and to trust Him. Isa. 55:6-13