His Eye Is On You
Today's NT reading is Acts 12. Then read 1 Peter 3:12. In this passage of 1Peter, he quotes from Psalm 34:15-16. I believe that I can safely say that this was a favorite Psalm of Peter; one that must have brought him much comfort after his miraculous release in Acts 12. When you and I find ourselves in difficult circumstances, there are three things from this story, combined with 1 Peter 3 (& Psalm 34) that we can count on.
1. God Sees Our Trials Acts 12:1-4 "the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous..."
God looks down and sees what Herod is doing. He sees what the early church is going through. And my friend, God looks down and sees what you are going through. He sees the trials and tribulations you are going through, and He sees the storm you are in right now.
2. God Hears Our Prayers Acts 12:5 "His ears are open to their prayers..."
Never underestimate the power of prayer. Thomas Watson said, "The angel fetched Peter out of jail, but it was prayer that fetched the angel." I do believe that we have angels watching over us. The psalmist said, "The angel of the LORD encamps round about them that fear Him, and delivers them..." Psalm 34:7. But again, it's prayer that fetches the angel. You can count on this: God hears your prayers!
3. God Deals With Our Enemies Acts 12:21-23
"The face of the Lord is against those who do evil..."
The death of Herod was under the sovereign will of God. Herod's time had run out. His sin could not be allowed anymore. He was stricken with a severe stroke of some kind. And the Greek word 'skolex' was used by Greeks to refer to intestinal worms. The historian Josephus reported that he lingered for five days, suffering great pain in the area of the stomach.
Conclusion:
So, this chapter begins with Herod on the rampage and Peter in jail. It ends with Herod in a pine box and Peter set free, and the church growing (v.24-25). And what a fitting close to these first 12 chapters. The apostle Paul will be the main character from here on out.
But remember, when you're having a tough time:
God sees your trials...
God hears your prayers...
God will deal with your enemies.
What a mighty God we serve!
1. God Sees Our Trials Acts 12:1-4 "the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous..."
God looks down and sees what Herod is doing. He sees what the early church is going through. And my friend, God looks down and sees what you are going through. He sees the trials and tribulations you are going through, and He sees the storm you are in right now.
2. God Hears Our Prayers Acts 12:5 "His ears are open to their prayers..."
Never underestimate the power of prayer. Thomas Watson said, "The angel fetched Peter out of jail, but it was prayer that fetched the angel." I do believe that we have angels watching over us. The psalmist said, "The angel of the LORD encamps round about them that fear Him, and delivers them..." Psalm 34:7. But again, it's prayer that fetches the angel. You can count on this: God hears your prayers!
3. God Deals With Our Enemies Acts 12:21-23
"The face of the Lord is against those who do evil..."
The death of Herod was under the sovereign will of God. Herod's time had run out. His sin could not be allowed anymore. He was stricken with a severe stroke of some kind. And the Greek word 'skolex' was used by Greeks to refer to intestinal worms. The historian Josephus reported that he lingered for five days, suffering great pain in the area of the stomach.
Conclusion:
So, this chapter begins with Herod on the rampage and Peter in jail. It ends with Herod in a pine box and Peter set free, and the church growing (v.24-25). And what a fitting close to these first 12 chapters. The apostle Paul will be the main character from here on out.
But remember, when you're having a tough time:
God sees your trials...
God hears your prayers...
God will deal with your enemies.
What a mighty God we serve!
posted by Royce Hendry at
6:17 AM
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