Life in the Scriptures

– by Stephen Manley –

Peter calls the first recorded business meeting of the early church to order (Acts 1:15).  His opening statement focused on the Scriptures, “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;” (Acts 1:16).  The main, powerful, and overall declaration is this Scripture had to be fulfilled.  Immediately subordinate is the pronouncement, which the Holy Spirit spoke before.  Coming under this is another explanation by the mouth of David.

It is several verses later he actually quotes the two verses from the Book of Psalms (Acts 1:20).  Peter believed these two verses in Psalms were spoken by the Holy Spirit and “had to be fulfilled.”  This verb is in the imperative.  It is an absolute necessity, which comes from a Divine decree.  Mankind has no influence upon the fulfillment of the Scriptures.  The choices man makes will not effect the fulfillment of the Scriptures.  It is impossible to overstate this great truth.  The Scriptures are set in concrete and are absolutely sure.  They will be fulfilled.

We understand this does not take away from the free will of man.  Things are not true because they are in the Scriptures; rather they are in the Scriptures because they are true.  The prophecy in the Old Testament did not cause Judas to betray Jesus.  He was not forced to this evil thing. However, the Scriptures recorded his evil act because it is what he was going to do.  The Scriptures had to be fulfilled!

Perhaps you do not see the immediate relationship of this truth to your personal life.  No doubt, this would have been true with Judas as well.  He viewed himself as having no major role in the histories of the world, let alone the fulfillment of the Scriptures.  Yet, he played a key role in the plans of God for the redemption of the world.  No doubt, he read the same Psalms that Peter read; he did not see a prophecy of his role. But think of what would have happened, if he had seen the truth! If Judas could have seen the Scriptures acting upon the stage of his life, he would have responded differently. What a change it would have made in his whole approach to life! He would have found a completely different pattern for his living.

Well, I have never seen my name in the Scriptures! Have you looked carefully?  It is absolutely essential you see your life in light of the Scriptures. This is a key motivation to saturate in the Word.  Consider John the Baptist.  What kept him focused on his call? How did he overcome pride?  There was a great dispute between John’s disciples and some of the Jews about purification. They argued about Jesus and His disciples baptizing more people than they were.  What was the reaction of John the Baptist? John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven,” (John 3:27).  John recognized his role as one given to him from heaven.  God Himself has proclaimed it in the Scriptures.  John knew his life and ministry was a fulfillment of the Scriptures, which had to be fulfilled. John saw himself as the forerunner to the Messiah, for he said, “You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him,’  (John 3:28).    John the Baptist knew his role as defined in the Scriptures. The Scriptures were being fulfilled in and through his life.  In this he found contentment.

Do you see your name in the Scriptures? Jesus gathered His disciples together for the last time to emphasize a promise.  And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, (Acts 1:4).  Upon the completion of this Promise, Peter preached to the great crowd who witnessed it.  In the course of the message he states, “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear,” (Acts 1:33).    What a great prophecy and fulfillment!

Do you not see your name on this page?  Is this not spoken to you directly?  The Scripture has and will be fulfilled. You are being affected by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  The dream of God for intimacy with you is accomplished. Everything is in place. Should you not experience the fulfillment of the Scripture in your life?

Jesus continues in His discussion by giving additional information to His disciples. He says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,” (Acts 1:8).  Is your name not recorded in this great statement? Was this not spoken directly to and for you? It is a fulfillment of the promise of being sourced by God. Everything you need to win your world, to walk in victory, and to be adequate is yours.  The Scripture has and will be fulfilled. This is a certainty for your life. You do not have to beg or worry yourself or God with the need.  It is a definite.  This prophecy will be fulfilled in your life. Will you allow the Scriptures to be fulfilled in you?  These verses are only the beginning!