MONDAY June 12, 2023
Complete Astonishment
Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.
Acts 12:16-17
When the group of praying Christians finally got up and opened the door, there stood Peter. They were in complete astonishment! They should not have been so astonished, because God answers prayers. As they prayed, I am sure they did not expect God to answer so quickly.
Peter motioned them to keep quiet, not to say a word openly, but to get word to James and to the brethren. Peter did not linger in the home of John Mark. He moved forward as directed by His Lord.
Perhaps you are thinking, Wait a minute. Herod Agrippa just kill James! This is another James, the half-brother of Jesus, the one who wrote the book of James. His brother was Jude; he wrote the book of Jude. Both of these men were half-brothers of Jesus. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, his brothers did not believe in Him. It was not until after Jesus’ Resurrection that we see recorded in Scripture that these two half-brothers came to accept Him.
The stories of James’ death and Peter’s deliverance were given to us by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so that we can believe that God was at work in every circumstance of their lives. God was in control. Therefore, no matter what trials and persecutions we face, we do not ever have to feel alone. Whether we live for Christ or die for Christ, know that God is sovereign in our lives. He will give us His mercy, grace and peace to endure.
One day, we are all going to be in the presence of God forever and ever. Consider Heaven––it is our eternal home. It is a beautiful place. Take great comfort in the heavenly hope we have as Christians.
There is a God in heaven who overrules all things for the best; and this is the comfort of my soul.
~David Brainerd~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
