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| ACTS 12:1-11 "Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4So when he arrested himk he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to fring him before the people after Passover. 5Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6And when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping, bound between with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands. 8Then the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and tie on your sandals:" and so he did. And he said to him, "Put on your garment and follow me." 9So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - In this scripture, God miraculously saves Peter from prison. Maybe today you are in a very difficult circumstances that you can't see your way out of. If you are feeling frustrated or discouraged, be assured that God is willing and able to set you free. In the previous chapter, Peter was used mightily by God to introduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles ('non-Jews'). Yet here he is in a dark prison at night, delivered to 16 soldiers (verse 4), facing a cruel death in the morning. All this for what he believed in. The difficulties we sometimes experience are not necessarily our fault. Often at these times we ponder if things could have been better if.....! Such pondering and guilt only serve to enforce the 'prison bars'. For the believer, God sometimes allows trials and difficulties to 'arrest' you for a set period of time. Ultimately God uses these situations to demonstrate His love and power, not only to you, but to others around you. Constant prayer was offered to God for Peter by the church (verse 5). It is a source of comfort and strength to know that someone is concerned about you during your hard times. Maybe Peter wasn't aware of the church's prayers; however the impact of them ws just as powerful. Jesus Himself made the greatest intercession of all for in that He died for our sins. He is now praying to God the Father for those who would accept Him. I was a prisoner of sin. I thank the Lord Jesus that He made the way of escape! How could Peter sleep in a desperate situation like this (verse 6)? He was chained up and awaiting execution in the morning! Peter was confident in God. Are you able to 'sleep' through the difficult times in your life? Or are you worrying, and indulging in self pity? Peter's sleep indicated the peace, strength and comfort he received by having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Notice that Peter was bound to people - in this case the soldiers. The prison was reinforced by soldiers - at the doors. You may not be physically chained to anyone, but are there any relationships in your life that confine you to your struggle in the same way the soldiers confined Peter? Are you chained to someone by sin, or jealousy, unforgiveness or the past? You may be innocent, but any chain must be broken (verse 7). The Lord is a deliverer. He sends an angel to rescue Peter. The angel stands by him and a light shone in the prison (verse 7). The angel was able to stand by Peter although there were soldiers so near. Jesus is able stand by you too. When you are in the midst of despair, He can be right there for you, to encourage and strengthen you. He is also able to give you hope in the darkest situation. When you can't see where the next meal is coming from, or you are not sure if you can face another day, He can give you a ray of hope. The angel prepared Peter (verse 8), telling him to put on his clothes and shoes. Before God will move on our on our behalf, we must be in a state of readiness to move with Him. For example, before God gives you the job you desperately need, He may guide and teach you how to use money properly. God proves Himelf sovereign over all situations. The prison that seemed so heavily guarded and secure is made to look like a joke! The angel leads Peter easily past the guards. Even the gates opened to them of its own accord. Even Peter wasn't fully aware of his deliverance. God is able to work similarly in your life. He can speedily move you around the obstacles in your way and open doors of opportunity. Often, it's only after you have overcome, that you realize and appreciate what God has done for you. He can set you free today. If you do not know the Jesus Christ as your Lord and Personal Saviour, then I encourage you to accept Him. He loves you. |
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