Surprise Release

Peter followed [the angel] out of prison. Acts 12:9 NIV

Peter had been thrown into prison for preaching about Jesus. He was securely guarded and no doubt expected to be there until he was released or died.  Suddenly, miraculously, an angel appeared and lead him past the guards to freedom. Peter thought he was probably dreaming or hallucinating – lack of food and water could make that happen. But it was really happening and soon he was knocking at the door of the house where the other disciples were praying for him. They too were incredulous and didn’t initially believe that his escape was possible. Peter, who had denied Jesus before the crucifixion, was given a special miracle to attest to God’s care for him.

I have also seen circumstances align in unimaginable ways to meet some special need of mine. Those times remind me that God knows me intimately and gives me blessings that reflect his deep understanding of me. It can be difficult to feel trapped but what a wonderful experience when God opens the door and leads us past our obstacles.

Clarity

Jesus replied,” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’…” Matthew 22:37 NIV

Just before this passage, the Sadducees had been trying to trip Jesus up with a hypothetical question about marriage. They took the example of a woman who was widowed several times and asked who would be her husband in heaven. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection and so were trying to show that it would be impossible to work out the logistics of people’s relationships after death. Jesus explains to them that our heavenly bodies are not like our earthly ones, and that people do not marry in heaven. Then the Pharisees ask their trick question: Which is the greatest commandment? Jesus brings  them all back to the basics: Love God, Love your neighbor.  God’s word is simple.

I pray that God will keep reminding me of the simplicity of the Gospels. I hope that I don’t lose sight of the centrality of love. It’s easy to get caught up in theological debates but they often just lead to irritation, pride and division. I need to focus on God’s love for me so that I can love Him; I need to remember how He forgave me so that I can forgive others and learn to love them. Love, love, love.