But...

by George Atkinson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England | Category: General | Dec 1993

Apparently it was Thomas Å Kempis who fnst used the phrase "Man proposes but God disposes". In doing so he expressed a profound truth which is revealed in several instances in Scripture.

In Acts chapter 12 there are two examples where the small word but is the dramatic hinge on which the story turns completely.

The wicked king Herod persecuted the Church of God in Jerusalem - even killing James the brother of John. Next, he arrested Peter who was held in chains under maximum security, and Herod doubtless would have killed him.

Thus far the reading leads us to think that Peter was in extreme jeopardy - and then we reach the word "BUT". "But prayer was made without ceasing of the Chusch unto God for him" (12:5 AV).

Peter was freed by divine intervenflon. The outcome seems to hang on that word "but". A material hinge has no power in itself - it must be activated. The activation which resulted in Peter's release is clear - the Church made prayer "without ceasing" to God.

There is a further instance of the "but" hinge. The chapter opened by telling of Herod's persecution of the Church - even puning some disciples to death. However, the end of the chapter tells us that the persecutor himself died: "But the Word of God grew and multiplied" (12:24).

How marvellous and re-assuring it is to know that despite all Satan's attacks on us as individuals, and his opposition to the spread of the gospel, our God over-rules! He answers prayer: The Word grows. "Pray without ceasing"! (1 Thes. 5:17).

George Atkinson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England | Dec 1993
General