Rich Maffeo on Nostr: Herod executed James, the brother of John. You might remember Jesus called the two ...
Herod executed James, the brother of John. You might remember Jesus called the two brothers, ‘Sons of Thunder.’ Herod then imprisoned Peter, intending to murder him after the Feast of Unleavened Bread. You’ll find the story in Acts 12.
But – and here is where it gets curious – God sent an angel to rescue Peter from Herod’s intent. When he escaped, he made his way to Mark’s house to let them know he was now free.
So, what is so curious?
I wonder how John, James’ brother, felt about it all. Did he lie awake at night asking himself – and maybe also asking God – why He rescued Peter, but not his own brother?
Of course, we don’t know what coursed through John’s mind – but we DO know this: After his brother’s murder, John not only remained faithful to Christ, but he also went on to write the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and The Revelation.
There is, I think, an important lesson in all this – God spares some, but not others. Why? We cannot ever really know on this side of eternity. But I suspect the Lord would like it if all His children trusted Him – as John clearly trusted Him – despite the questions, and the unknowns, and the good reasons for mourning.
But – and here is where it gets curious – God sent an angel to rescue Peter from Herod’s intent. When he escaped, he made his way to Mark’s house to let them know he was now free.
So, what is so curious?
I wonder how John, James’ brother, felt about it all. Did he lie awake at night asking himself – and maybe also asking God – why He rescued Peter, but not his own brother?
Of course, we don’t know what coursed through John’s mind – but we DO know this: After his brother’s murder, John not only remained faithful to Christ, but he also went on to write the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and The Revelation.
There is, I think, an important lesson in all this – God spares some, but not others. Why? We cannot ever really know on this side of eternity. But I suspect the Lord would like it if all His children trusted Him – as John clearly trusted Him – despite the questions, and the unknowns, and the good reasons for mourning.