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Seized

Jesus is
“ ‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:11-12
 
 
Lately, I have found myself spending a lot of time in the Book of Acts. I’ve been enamored by the early church and its actions. These people actually knew Jesus or knew people who knew Jesus. They saw the miracles. They heard the parables. They saw the reactions of those threatened by Jesus' very existence. They were hunted, thrown in prison, and killed because they followed Jesus. 
 
The selection above comes after Peter and John were abducted by the temple guard. The Bible says, “they seized Peter and John” (Acts 4:3). I can say I’ve never been seized. It is a concept I can only understand because I have seized things, but never people. My kids come home with Halloween candy and I seize my favorite candies. I have seized many an opportunity, but never a person. Can you imagine being in church listening to a pastor's sermon when armed guards enter. They march on the platform and take the pastor away. This is essentially what has happened.
 
Peter is questioned by his captors. The ones who seized him. To me this is one of those situations that can take the outspoken and make them timid. After all, these are the same guys who seized our Savior. Peter who was previously timid in these high pressure situations has been transformed. He is now bold. 
 
He reminds those that seized him that they didn't believe that Jesus was the Messiah. In fact, they rejected Him. They tossed Him to the side. Peter assures them that the only hope they have is found in Jesus. The only way for any of us to be delivered from a forever separated from God is through the love and sacrifice of Jesus. 
 
God is looking to transform each of us like Peter. I think Peter realized that there was no action on this Earth, nothing any human could do, nothing the enemy could do that could again separate him from God. Fear was gone. He had seized the promise of our Savior, Jesus. 
 
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt
 
 


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