|
“Now about that time Herod the king…killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also” (Acts 12:1-3).
In the Roman Empire rulers were absolute, and could imprison or kill almost anyone they wanted. Herod killed James, and was going to get Peter too. But if you read the rest of the chapter, you will see that the Lord miraculously let Peter out of prison, and he lived quite a while longer. But why would the Lord allow James to be killed, and keep Peter alive?
We do not know the complete answer to this question, for the Lord does not always tell us why He did something. However, it would seem that James’ work was done, and that the Lord allowed him to be called home to Himself, just as He allowed a young man like Stephen to be stoned.
But the Lord had more work for Peter to do, and sent an angel to let him out of prison. God knows how to prepare His servants for their work, and He takes them home when their work is finished. Even today we sometimes see a fairly young person taken home to be with the Lord, and perhaps we wonder why. But we cannot question God’s ways; He always does what is right.
|
