Oppressors Fall

Oppressors Fall

Acts 12: ²⁰ Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.

²¹ So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. ²² And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” ²³ Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied.

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It seemed impossible to get anything done with this person as the boss. Besides the paranoia, the sheer arrogance and belligerence towards others placed shame on anyone who said they worked for him. I did not know what to do. One of the senior leaders said. “Don’t worry about it.” About a month later, we had a new boss.

• Some oppressive people lasted a long time in my life.
• Some oppressive people lasted only a short time in my life.
• Some oppressive people lasted long enough to do some damage, but was handled in the right way, at the right time.

Herod’s killing spree of people who followed GOD was over. The kingdoms he was angry with united in peace and in one accord. An angel of the LORD struck down Herod for not giving  GOD glory. His oppressive reign was now over.

• GOD wants me to know HE is in control.
• GOD wants me to know HE raises people up and makes them fall.
• GOD wants me to know HE enjoys when I work with others to have peace.

Uniting because of peace pleases GOD. HE sees those who have oppression in their hearts and will not stand for it. Unfortunately, the oppressors will do some damage before getting removed. BUT GOD can use that damage to grow HIS kingdom.

GOD uses broken people for HIS plans. HE heals people to fight another day. GOD enjoys hearts that desire peace but won’t stand for injustice. I am grateful GOD protects me and guides me.

• Are you being oppressed?
• Does it seem like no matter how good you are, bad people seem to “win?”
• Will you keep your faith, knowing GOD sees everything and has “that” person under control?

Restoration after Destruction

Jeremiah 49: ³⁸ I will set my throne in Elam
    and destroy her king and officials,”
declares the Lord.

³⁹ “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam
    in days to come,”
declares the Lord.

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“How can I fire this person?” I thought to myself. It was a difficult decision because I would have to fire a few other people as well. Who can I replace them with? How soon can I make this happen? A mentor approached me and said, do not become “the problem” while fixing things.

• I once thought about destruction.
• I once dreamed about total devastation.
• I once imagined eradication of the “weak” to build up the strong.

My zeal was only pointed towards one department and I did not like any of the people. I mean they were good at being “employees” and not good at doing work! I wanted to get rid of all of them and find people who would work day and night. BUT GOD opened my eyes to another side.

• GOD showed me I had plenty “judgment” and little grace.
• GOD showed me I had plenty “self-righteousness” and little humility.
• GOD showed me I had plenty “conquer” and little restoration.

After I stepped back from my rage I realized I needed people. Instead of firing people I had to grow them and mature them. It was my responsibility to restore people after I disciplined a few. GOD enabled me to add grace to my thinking which means I need to seek restoration wherever I can because GOD restores me quite often.

• Are you “right” in your anger?
• Are you seeking justice?
• Can you seek restoration of that person?
• Will you pray for that person to get to know CHRIST?
• Will you pray for restoration instead of destruction of that person?