05/28/2008 Let His blood be on me.

[RandomK]

S. 21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the
morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and
called the council together, with all the elders of the children of
Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison,
they returned and reported, 23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison
shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but
when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when the high
priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these
things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and
told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing
in the temple and teaching the people!”
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without
violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And
the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command
you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem
with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to
obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus
whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His
right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and
forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and
so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

O. I find it interesting, in verse 28, that the High Priest accused
Peter of "intending to bring this Man's blood on us!" And Peter, never
denies that. What's more interesting, is that when Jesus was
originally being tried, Pilate washed his hands and said: "I wash my
hands of this Man's blood," and the Jews replied, "Let his blood be on
us AND our children!" (Matthew 27:24-25), and NOW, they are
complaining that Peter is trying to put Jesus' blood on their hands,
when they had already conceded to that. Is that such a bad thing? To
be covered in Jesus' blood? Indeed, perhaps that is what Peter was
trying to do, because Peter KNEW that there can be no forgiveness of
sins outside of the Blood of Jesus. We ought to obey God rather than
men.

A. I ought to obey God rather than men. Peter speaks nothing but the
truth, simple though it may be, how hard of a time do I have doing
just that?

P. Lord, forgive me when I have sought the approval of men above you.
There are so many times in my life when I have sought out council
before asking you what I should do first. Maybe if I came to you more
often, you would be more likely to actually tell me what it is that
you want me to do. If I were to obey you every time, would I ever
doubt you again? Forgive me father, and continue to mold me into your
image. Never let me forget that it was your sacrifice, and your blood
that was shed to cover my sins. Thank you, precious Jesus.