The theft of money is a foul deed, and the pang of it strikes deep. Yet, in the vast sweep of God's providence, even this wrong is not beyond the circle of His sovereign permission. You cry for justice, and rightly so, the authorities must do their work, for the magistrate bears the sword not in vain. But take heed how you stand before God with that cry. No, you will never make out a good case if you appeal to God's justice, for Justice will try you, condemn you, and cast you aside. God will not deal with you on those terms. Confess that you are guilty! Ask Him, for His mercy's sake, to pass over your guilt. How many of you, when you thought you were dying, made a confession upon your death-beds to your God! It is a horrible thing for any man ever to say, "Well, if God acts like that, I do not see the justice of it." How dare you even hint that the Judge of all the earth is not just? Even the robber, when awakened, will smite his breast and own it, for he himself confessed, “I have sinned against innocent blood,” and he cast down the money in the temple.
But look now at the promise of restoration. The piece of money is sure to be discovered. She will not lose it, it is hers and she values it. She sweeps the house and makes any quantity of dust until she finds it. The Lord will find His own, even though Satan tries to prevent the gracious discovery. That look of Christ which broke Peter's heart severed him from the crowd, and so this trial may sever the one who prays from the love of earthly treasure, fixing the gaze upon the unsearchable riches of Christ. He speaks of Peter's restoration as if it were quite sure to be. And is it not quite sure to be? If Jesus, the Beloved of the Father, prays for His people, shall He not win His suit with God? He will win it! He will uplift Peter from among the siftings where Satan has thrown him.
You ask for wisdom upon the investigators. That is a right prayer, for wisdom is man's true path, that which enables him to accomplish best the end of his being. There is not much more wisdom in man's judgment of God than in the flies' fabled judgment of an elephant. The way of God is a path the keenest eye of human intellect cannot trace; the authorities may search, but only the Lord can lay bare the hidden things of darkness. He shall make them to know wisdom in the inward parts of the matter.
And what of true restoration? Restoration comes not merely by the return of coin, but by the revelation of the Master's tender wisdom. The Lord turned and looked upon Peter. He did not speak to him but looked upon him. That look was effectual upon Peter because the Lord Jesus had, in private, made prevalent intercession for him. So look to Him who intercedes for you now. Perhaps the robber is one of those to whom the word of this salvation is sent, "He that has no money; come, buy, and eat." His soul is destitute, a bankrupt before God. Money makes money and he that has a little to begin with may soon have more, but this man, having no stock to start with, cannot hope to be rich towards God in and by himself. The Lord has come into the market and He bids you buy of Him without money and without price!
In the end, Justice itself is satisfied for the believing soul. Doth Justice come to thee and say, “Sinner, thou hast sinned, I will punish thee?” Answer thus, “Justice, thou hast punished all my sins. All I ought to have suffered has been suffered by my substitute, Jesus.” God can be just, and yet the justifier. So, let this loss drive thee to the riches of His grace. And could not the one restored fully describe the joy of it? “Oh,” he would say, “do not trust in uncertain riches. There is no profit to be found there. Come back to Him, there is such peace, such rest with Him. Never, never go away again.” May the Lord grant that the money be found, that the robber be awakened to his crime and to the mercy of the dying thief, and that the one who lost it finds her treasure in heaven, where thieves do not break through nor steal.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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