Acts 2:22-28. Peter continues speaking to the crowd on Pentecost. He says Jesus of Nazareth was attested to by God through mighty works, wonders, and signs done through Him in their midst, as they knew. This same Jesus Christ, "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God," they had crucified. But God raised Him from the dead, because it was not possible for Him to be held by death. Peter goes on to quote David, who saw the Lord ever before him, at his right hand, so he would not be shaken and his heart was glad. David said his flesh would dwell in hope, for God would not abandon his soul to Hades and he would not let His Holy One see corruption. God had made known to him the ways of life and will make him full of gladness with His presence. Peter sees that David's words foretold Jesus, God's Holy One who would not see corruption.

God has a plan and is carrying it out! Everything we do is used by Him to further His plan, even our sins. We don't see it, usually, but He sees all. So Jesus was crucified due to the fear and disbelief of these Jews to whom Peter was speaking, and due to Judas' betrayal, but Peter acknowledges that it was all "according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God." David was inspired to write his words of praise a thousand years before Christ was born, yet he knew God's Holy One would not be allowed to see corruption, because God knew and His Spirit inspired David's writing.

So God uses all to His purposes, but it is up to us to use the inspirations, laws, prophets, Bible, Church, and especially the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in order to cooperate in His plan. Then we become co-workers of God, building his kingdom with Him and for Him, getting the world ready for Him and for His promise to be fulfilled in all people.

Judas participated in God's plan, but through sin and evil. We must choose to cooperate through obedience and goodness, only then will we gain the salvation won for us by God's Holy One.

(Originally published 12/19/22)