It is a poignant moment in scripture. Peter and John have been called in by the religious leaders of the day and commanded not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus. You can almost hear the thoughts of those unrighteous powermongers; We got rid of that Jesus guy and we are not going to stand by while you two keep bringing him up again.”
The way Peter and John replied to this confrontation is amazing in and of itself. After all, they are standing before the guys that killed Jesus; they could kill Peter and John too. In the face of that reality, these two stand and deliver;
“Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than listen to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19. CSB)
Mic drop.
How in the world did they do that? Well, it had nothing to do with them. They were able to do it because of a promise that Jesus had made to them some time before. Consider Luke 12:11-12:
“Whenever they bring you before the synagogues and rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how you should defend yourselves or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said.” (Luke 12:11-12, CSB)
That was the promise. And, the story in Acts is the story of that promise kept.
That makes me wonder – what other promises will Jesus keep? Will He honor them all? Are there any exceptions?
“I will be with you always…”
“You will receive power…”
“Wherever two or three are gathered…”
“There is no temptation… but you will be able…”
“If I go… I will come again…”
Be reminded — the “Promise Maker” is the “Promise Keeper,” and He will honor them all. Trust Him. Believe Him.
Rest in His promises today.
