The peace we should have

Scripture Read: Acts 5:38-39 “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”

Application: Do we really believe that God is in control. Many say yes but the anxiety they show when things seem out of control betrays their real belief. Do you try to manipulate circumstances to remain in control. Consider ...

 Overthrown - καταλύω kataluo - AV translates as “destroy” nine times, “throw down” three times, “lodge” once, “guest” once, “come to nought” once, “overthrow” once, and “dissolve” once. 1 to dissolve, disunite - to destroy, demolish - The meaning of κατά (“downward”) is still present in καταλύω, which is a strengthened form of λύω in the sense “to put down - It is used of the destroying of a building,1 e.g., the temple. Mk. 14:58; 15:29 (Mt. 26:61; 27:40); Ac. 6:14  ^[1]  

How many times do we forget the power behind Your Words – This is a key example – the meaning is quite powerful and clear – when we are doing what You want - Your end will persevere – no matter what man may do. If we claim that what we are doing is Your work – but it is not, then in the end it will be destroyed. If what we are doing is Yours – then the same is true in reverse. Lord why do we get so upset at the evil man does. I understand the grief we should feel, but many times we are aggravated and perturbed by the evil we see so much that we come across angry, and frustrated. Help us to rest in Jesus and know that even if we don’t see it, in the end You will overthrow whatever stands against You. Help us to live in this confidence and peace.

* Meditation Questions: When someone is taking advantage of me what do I feel? When I know someone got away with something that was wrong, how do I feel? Do I lose sleep worrying over things out of my control? What does that show?

 

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^[1] Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.