Scripture Had To Be Fulfilled
“In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, ‘Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’ (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood)” (Acts 1:15-19 ESV).
There are times in life when things don’t make sense. It may be in a funeral home or hospital waiting room that doubt fills your mind. Perhaps it is watching the breaking news on the television that you wonder how any good could possibly come out of the events that have taken place in your life.
On a much larger scale, it is likely that the disciples of Jesus felt doubtful and confused after the crucifixion of Jesus. In fact, not only was this likely, it was exactly how they felt. If you were to consider yourselves in the shoes of the twelve, there would be much confusion as to how this all happened. How did one of the twelve, one whom Jesus handpicked betray Him? Not only this, but how are we to live on without our leader? We have left our entire lives, our jobs, our families, and our possessions behind to follow this Man but now He is dead. Not only would the question of how this happened be asked, but why? Why did this happen?
Peter answered that question when he said “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled.” This all had to happen in order for Jesus Christ to fulfill His purpose which was to be a sacrifice for all mankind so that all sinners may receive forgiveness of sins. And while many lessons arise out of this instance, and especially from Peter’s sermon that follows, one lesson that could be found in this passage is this: God makes good things happen out of bad situations.
Again, if you were to consider yourself in the shoes of Jesus’ followers at this time, this is the worst-case scenario. This is the worst thing you could imagine happening. Now, look at the big picture from where we are now. The greatest event in human history and all heaven-bound souls would come out of the “worst case scenario.” You see, we get to see it all from the big picture, the people that Peter was talking to, and even Peter himself did not know what all was to come of this situation. But, they knew one thing, “the Scripture had to be fulfilled.”
One of the greatest encouragements in life is the fact that no matter how bad we may think the situation is, God can still work in it. It may be an election result that we think is the beginning of the end, or the sign of pure evil that God ends up working through. It may be a national tragedy that makes people look to God. Some of the hardest moments in life is when we may find God the most.
When trials come remember that God has a purpose and His purpose will always prevail. When doubt and confusion tries to rule our minds, remember that God is on His throne and He has a plan.
“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled.”
