The time is not yet
by Sal Huckel
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting (Acts 12:11).
Read Acts 12:1-17
If you haven’t read the beginning chapters of Acts up to this point, it would be worthwhile doing so today over lunch or a cuppa. We may be familiar with the main parts of this account of Peter being rescued from high-security imprisonment but, putting it into context, we learn that this has occurred as part of an extraordinary series of events since Jesus’ death and resurrection. Miracle after miracle, the imprisonment and miraculous release of the apostles (Acts 5) and the martyrdom of Stephen after his amazing testimony in a trial similar to that of Jesus. Saul is converted and begins his own ministry. It is only a matter of time before more apostles are martyred. The believers have prayed for boldness to proclaim the gospel (Acts 4:23–31). Is this Peter’s time? No, it is not. He experiences what he feels is surely a vision and yet is miraculously freed from his chains.
Peter has gone from miracle to miracle and continues with a zeal for the Lord to bring even the Gentiles to faith in the Lord Jesus.
We know that martyrdom awaits Peter. He knows it too. He doesn’t know when, but this time is not his time.
It is challenging and confronting for some of us to accept that ‘staying alive’ is not the goal of the Christian life. As we read in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
We have in our hands amazing accounts of the strong faith of the early church. We know that the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ are truly the acts of the Lord Jesus, working through them. While we live in very different times, we are also pressing on to the same prize. Until such time as we are indeed called to be with Christ Jesus, in whatever manner he chooses, we must continue living daily in our baptism, growing deeper in our knowledge of him and following in obedience wherever he leads.
Lord, we praise you for the mighty works of your hand, establishing your church and desiring all people to be saved and turn to you. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit through my baptism and the new life I have in you. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, may I follow you in obedience until it is my turn to meet you face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sal is married to Pastor Matthew Huckel and they live in Victoria with their six children. Music, theology, literature and languages are passions the family share and explore together. Sal loves writing, speaking and walking to the beach at every opportunity.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
