GOD’S WORD FOR JANUARY 16

Our  book this month  is a continuation of “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand ~ Lessons From the Life of Peter,” by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

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KEPT IN THE MASTER’S HAND

(Read Acts 12:1-25)

Have you ever wondered how Peter was able to sleep, even though he knew that he had been scheduled to be executed in the morning?  It may well be that he had the assurance in his heart that he would not die as a victim of Herod’s sword.  Fourteen years before, Christ had personally given him a promise:  “ ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself, and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.’  Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.” (John 21:18-19).

Peter knew,

1.  That he would grow to be an old man, and
2. That his death would occur by the stretching out of his arms. 

Tradition  says that Peter died a martyr, crucified upside down because he did not think himself worthy to be crucified in the same position as the Master whom he so fervently loved.  With these words lodged in his heart, Peter was able to sleep in prison knowing that his hour had not yet come.

Peter slept because he trusted in the promise of Jesus.  He knew that no combination of demons and men would kill him until his work was done.  Of course we envy Peter, wishing that we ourselves had a specific word from the lips of Christ, just for us.  But we do have such a word:

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”  (John 14:27).

Yes, GOD IS SOVEREIGN, and we can rest on His promises, knowing that our fate is in His hands.

Second, Peter had to learn that GOD IS TRIUMPHANT.  This chapter opens with Herod in control, having killed James and with specific plans to kill Peter.  Interestingly, it closes with Peter alive and well and Herod dying a shameful, excruciating death.  We should never judge the circumstances of life by their appearance, but in light of God’s eternal plan.

This chapter is a microcosm of the reversal of fortune that Satan and his powers will have in the final day.  The devil always loses, even when it appears he is winning.  Only the final battle really matters.

“The wicked plots against the righteous, and gnashes at him with his teeth.  The Lord laughs at him; for He sees his day is coming.” (Psalm 37:12-13)

Finally, Peter had to learn that  GOD IS POWERFUL.  God can open an iron gate and cause alert soldiers to fall asleep.  He can do as He wishes with the forces of nature and the evil intentions of men.

EVEN WHEN WE ARE IN THE HANDS OF MEN, WE ARE ACTUALLY IN THE HANDS OF GOD.

How much better to be in prison bound with chains, yet free in spirit, than to be in a palace, bound by the ravages of condemnation or self-serving anger that torments the soul!  There are dungeons far worse than the barren prisons of Jerusalem or Rome.  Herod, though technically free, was enslaved by powers stronger than the soldiers he had charged to keep Peter bound

Perhaps you feel imprisoned within your home, job, school, or factory.  You may feel chained to circumstances or subject to the whims of those around you.  Worse, you may feel the inner torment of shame, frustration, and anger that others have caused.  There may not be an easy way out of your private torture chamber, and I suggest you seek the help of a trusted and wise friend.  But I also urge you to remember God’s promises, and to accept the peace that He has promised.

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Jeremiah 17:9

“The heart is deceitful above all things,  and desperately wicked;  Who can know it?

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Titus 1:15

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.

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Matthew 15:8

These people draw near to Me with their mouth,   and honor Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

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Romans 6:22

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

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Psalm 147:5

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;  His understanding is infinite.

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Isaiah 45:12

I have made the earth,  and created man on it.  I—My hands—stretched out the heavens,

And all their host I have commanded.

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Colossians 1:16

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

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Job 14:5

Since his days are determined,  the number of his months is with You;

You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass.

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