READ: Acts 12 (Focus vs. 5-11)
MEMORY VERSE
“The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers.” Acts 12:6
BACKGROUND
My neighbor Sam returned home one night without his car. “It was stolen,” he told his wife, then added, “I’m going to sleep. I’ll sort it out tomorrow.” His wife was flabbergasted. She couldn’t understand how Sam could be so calm, but he explained, “What else can I do? Panicking won’t make any difference.”
My ever-sensible neighbor could see there was no point worrying. He trusted that the authorities would be able to find his missing car later—which they did.
Did the apostle Peter feel likewise after being thrown into prison (Acts 12:4)? He was likely to face execution, yet the usually impulsive disciple “was sleeping between two soldiers” (v. 6).
The angel had to “[strike] Peter on the side” to wake him up (v. 7)—suggesting that he was completely calm and at peace. Was it because he knew his life was in God’s hands?
Verses 9 and 11 suggest that it wouldn’t have mattered whether he was rescued or not; perhaps he recalled the assurance of salvation and glory that Jesus had given him (Matthew 19:28), as well as Christ’s call to simply “follow me” and not worry about what would happen to him (John 21:22).
No matter what we’re facing today, we can trust that God holds our future—both on earth and in heaven—in His mighty hands. Perhaps then we can sleep in peace more easily.
Leslie Koh
INSIGHT
Peter “was sleeping” the “night before Herod was to bring him to trial” (Acts 12:6). He’d already been unjustly imprisoned by King Herod for eight days and would’ve been sentenced the following day. And, like James, his fellow apostle, he too would’ve been executed (vv. 2-3).
But “the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (v. 5; see vv. 11-12). During his imprisonment, Peter experienced the peace that only Jesus could give (see John 14:27).
In the Old Testament, David also had confident trust in God and experienced His peace: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8; see 3:5).
No matter what we’re facing today, we can turn our situation over to God, knowing that we can trust Him and experience the peace He alone provides (Philippians 4:6-7).
K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
What worries keep you awake at night? How can you learn to surrender them to God and hold on to His promises?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“No matter what we’re facing today, we can trust that God holds our future—both on earth and in heaven—in His mighty hands.”
PR’s TAKE
“The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional” Max Lucado
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1
PRAYER
“Dear God, I know that my life and future are in Your loving and mighty hands. Please help me to keep trusting You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“IN NOTHING BE ANXIOUS” Vessels of Mercy
In nothing be anxious, but in everything,
By prayer and petition with thanksgiving,
Let your requests be made known to God;
And the peace of God,
Which surpasses every man’s understanding,
Will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
And the peace of God is God as peace
Infused into you and me,
Through our fellowship with Him by prayer;
As the counterpoise to troubles,
And the antidote to anxiety,
Mounting guard over us,
Saving us from all our cares.
In all situations, every frustration,
All your anxiety comes from Satan,
To disturb your life of living Christ.
Just stay in the union, living communion,
One with Christ; give everything to Him.
Peace of God through our life of living Christ.
