After reading through this chapter I was reminded again of the words in Luke 1:37 - "For nothing is impossible with God" - even a miraculous escape from prison through the guidance and influence of an angel. I found it interesting that Peter initially thought he was seeing a vision?!?
There was also quite a lot of death in this chapter: first Herod had James killed (even though Peter was spared, James was not), then after the escape he ordered that all the guards be killed and then finally Herod himself died, struck down by an angel of the Lord.
In the midst of all this, "the word of God continued to increase and spread". (v 24) The picture presented in Acts so far is not one of safety and security, but one where the church is growing rapidly, people are praying, the kingdom of God is being preached with boldness, persecution is not far away...but neither is God.
What sort of life is God leading us into in 2008 as we continue to seek him???
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
2 comments:
Spurgeon wrote:
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
This is the seventh of the beatitudes: and seven was the number of perfection among the Hebrews. It may be that the Saviour placed the peacemaker
the seventh upon the list because he most nearly approaches the perfect man in Christ Jesus. He who would have perfect blessedness, so far as it can
be enjoyed on earth, must attain to this seventh benediction, and become a peacemaker. There is a significance also in the position of the text. The
verse which precedes it speaks of the blessedness of the pure in heart: for they shall see God. It is well to understand that we are to be first pure, then
peaceable. Our peaceableness is never to be a compact with sin, or toleration of evil. We must set our faces like flints against everything which is
contrary to God and his holiness: purity being in our souls a settled matter, we can go on to peaceableness. Not less does the verse that follows seem
to have been put there on purpose. However peaceable we may be in this world, yet we shall be misrepresented and misunderstood: and no marvel,
for even the Prince of Peace, by his very peacefulness, brought fire upon the earth. He himself, though he loved mankind, and did no ill, was despised
and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Lest, therefore, the peaceable in heart should be surprised when they meet with
enemies, it is added in the following verse, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Thus,
the peacemakers are not only pronounced to be blessed, but they are compassed about with blessings. Lord, give us grace to climb to this seventh
beatitude! Purify our minds that we may be first pure, then peaceable, and fortify our souls, that our peaceableness may not lead us into cowardice and
despair, when for thy sake we are persecuted.
I loved the comment in my bible on the believers behaviour in this event (paraphrased by me): There they are praying - and presumably they were praying thet Peter would not be killed - that somehow he would be saved? But then - when they are told he is at the door - they go "Impossible!"
I have to chuckle - because I am sure that is so often how I pray.
I want to believe that God will act - but part of me does not believe He will (and that is OK by me - because "God is God" and can do as He pleases...)!
Andrew - in response to your question about 2008...
I believe He is calling me to have a more attentive EAR to what He is saying to me, a more loving and responsive HEART and a submissive WILL. All of these covered by complete trust in His ability to sort out the problems I am too ready to anticipate and react to.
I know something of the task He has set for me - I can see how He has been unfolding my understanding of the task over a number of years. I know where I have jumped in - in my own strength - and have learned from that. More of Him and less of me.
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