Today's Devotion

November 11, 2010

Depending Upon the Word

Today’s passage reveals what happened as the disciples waited patiently for the promise of the baptism of Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). Remember, they were all together praying.

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, "Men [and] brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; "for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry." (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’ "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, "beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen "to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:15-26 NKJV)

Something happened while they waited and prayed for the Holy Spirit to come; they began to remember the Scriptures.

Peter remembered, as he pondered the treachery of Judas, clearly something that took all but Jesus by surprise, that the Scriptures had predicted such an event (Psalm 41:9). Through prayer and meditation, God opened Peter’s eyes to see the truth of God’s word. Therefore, in the absence of Christ’s presence he learns to depend upon the Word of God.

I realize the text doesn’t say that Peter was thinking about what Judas did, but isn’t it likely that while he waited he would replay the events leading up to Christ’s departure? I am sure he thought of many things Christ had done: the miracles, the sermons, the bravery, and the self-control He displayed in the midst of His betrayal and crucifixion.

This is what we do when confronted with things beyond our control. We ponder why, and recall the moments trying to make sense of what we don’t understand. For those without Christ this often leads to bitterness. However, we learn to trust Christ more in these situations; the more we depend upon His word the closer we become.

During times of prayerful dependence, God helps us to see things better. He connects the dots for us. We begin to see how things work, and instead of bitterness, our hearts are filled with joy. How many times have you read a passage in the morning and then see its application in the afternoon? I hope often.

For Peter, depending upon the Word helped him to see that Judas’ betrayal was part of God’s plan, that does not excuse Judas from punishment, but it does help Peter to know that things had not taken a wrong turn. This was supposed to happen. He also remembered that they needed to replace Judas with another (Ps 69:25, 109:8).

Learn to depend upon God’s Word for everything. Instead of panic, let your response to difficult situations be prayerful meditation. You will begin to see things from a different perspective, a better perspective.