Psalm 136; Dan. 12:1-4,13; Acts 4:1-12; John 16:1-15
Daniel receives a word about the end of days. Strangely, just this morning I saw an article about some little books with pages the size of a credit card that were found in Jordan in a cave recently that were described as sealed and there are already scholars speculating on whether these are the books that are described in the book of the Revelation, the sealed scrolls that only the Lamb can open. How could biblical scholars say these are the same? One is found in heaven and unsealed only by the crucified Christ and these were found in a cave in Jordan and opened by men. There are many who believe we live in the biblical last days and yet we are not given to know such things, only the Father knows those times. We are to live always if He were coming back tomorrow. We shouldn’t have too many changes to make if we take that seriously.
Jesus doesn’t tell the disciples or us when these things will happen, only that they will. They were indeed thrown out of the synagogues within the lifetime of most, if not all, the disciples as the Jews tried to distance themselves from the Christian community. We have been warned of what is to come and the Holy Spirit has been given to us to know the truth about all things lest those who are sealed for salvation fall away. We need the Holy Spirit operating in our lives to interpret the signs and to be secure in our salvation. The Spirit speaks truth in our inner being to allow us to know that even though the world rejects us and our testimony that it is nonetheless true. The Spirit declares those things that are to come and has revealed them to us through John the Revelator. We have confidence in the face of opposition and persecution because of the Spirit.
Peter, the same man who denied Jesus three times rather than stand with Him in His hour of need, now tells the council that the only hope they have is Jesus, the man they crucified. Something extraordinary has happened in Peter’s life. The power of the Holy Spirit and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead have happened and these have utterly changed this man into the man he has always wanted to be. He is willing to deal with the disapprobation of these men because of Christ risen and Christ in him. He is willing to speak the truth to power and to proclaim his allegiance to Jesus even if it means death. He has the confidence that comes with knowing this life isn’t all there is, that if he proclaims Christ here then He will claim Peter for all eternity. He no longer operates from the fear of man.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
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