GOD PLUS 1 = A MAJORITY
- Key Verse
"But the word of God continued to increase and spread." (Acts 12:24, NIV)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
Man has plans. God has plans. When they oppose one another, it’s not like the scientific phenomenon of an “irresistible force meeting an immovable object." God’s plans win. Every time.
Reflections
Wow! What a chapter. What movie director wouldn’t love to get his hands on this script? The martyrdom of James, Peter's dramatic angel-assisted, just in the “nick of time” escape from impending death, a little comic relief from the servant girl Rhoda and finally, the gruesome death of Herod all in this one passage. But tucked in among all of this high drama is the little verse, ”But the word of God continued to increase and spread."
Reading about Herod and his plans for Peter reminds me of Pilate and his interaction with Jesus. On the surface, circumstances would seem to be in Herod’s (Pilate’s) favor. He had the power and authority to imprison and execute Peter (Jesus). However, we know that there is another “reality," the world of things “unseen”. This is where God operates. He has a plan. He has a time frame. He executes His plan using His time frame. And at this time, God had plans for Peter that trumped Herod’s plans for Peter.
It’s so encouraging to read this story about Peter and know that we serve a God who can and does intervene in our affairs in awe-inspiring ways. It’s also important to remember that sometimes, like Elijah discovered, God is in the “still, quiet voice." Same God; different ways of interacting with us. But always, His plan is unfolding.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you reconcile the fact that Herod had the apostle James killed with a sword, but Peter miraculously escaped death in this chapter?
2. When you read the chapter, notice how Peter is asleep on the night before his execution. How can one be that “at peace” when circumstances dictate fear and apprehension?
3. What is your participation in making sure that “ the word of God continues to increase and spread”?
Reinhard
February 8, 2010 07:51 AM
Louise, this is so straight from your heart and from your wonderful perspective on what it means to really LIVE life as a trusting, faithful follower of Christ. It just gave me a great start to my day. Thank you! Big hugs, Reinhard
Harold
February 8, 2010 08:37 AM
Thanks, Louise, for noting the intense drama and for emphasizing God's plans. I don't try to reconcile what happened to James and Peter. I lack the relevant facts, and God's ways are above mine anyway. I am thankful that God is involved and intervenes in the best interests of humanity.
Gary Brandenburg
February 8, 2010 08:37 AM
I love the phrase, "so Peter was kept in prison but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church of God." That's our trump card. Our simple prayers are more powerful than the schemes of earthly rulers. But I am like the people who were gathered together praying. When Peter showed up IN RESPONSE TO THEIR PRAYERS, they didn't believe it! Oy Vey! Thanks Louise.
Karen
February 8, 2010 08:40 AM
Good morning Louise, So nice to be reminded that no matter how chaotic things appear to us...God is in control! Thanks for your encouraging words.
Thad Harris
February 8, 2010 09:09 AM
Hello Louise, Thank you for the reminder today that God zealously pursues the fulfillment of his mission. His plan does win, despite the plans of man against His. You have highlighted great contrast in this chapter with your questions...a lot of great truth to meditate on today! Thank you for your diligence in the word.
Jason Jackson
February 8, 2010 05:10 PM
What a great reminder...God's plan is the best plan! Great job Louise! Glad you made it out of the "Motel 6 situation."
Mike Lyon
February 8, 2010 10:29 PM
Louise, thank you for the insight regarding Peter sleeping, when the norm would be nervously pacing the floor trying to figure out a solution via human means. Good insight.