Peter’s Release

Herod had Peter safely in jail, or so he thought. He intended to put Peter on trial after the Passover. (Acts 12:4b, NIV). That means it’s almost a year since Jesus was crucified.

Peter is stuck in prison but his fellow believers remembered him in prayer. (Acts 12:5)

Where was God? Do you ever question his timing? Well God showed up right on time…the night before Peter was to go on trial and he did it ‘suddenly!’ (Acts 12:4-7)

An angel of the Lord appeared a light went on and still Peter sleeps. The angel of the Lord had to whack Peter on the side to wake him up. How soundly do we sleep when God is trying to get our attention? What will it take to wake us up when God is speaking to us?

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. (Acts 12:7, NIV)

Apparently, Peter is still half asleep for he has to be told to get on his clothes, shoes and even his cloak. Peter thought the whole thing was a vision. (Acts 12:9) Has God been trying to get our attention through dreams, visions and even realities?

The angel got him n the right street and then left him to find his way. Only then did Peter come to himself.

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (Acts 12:11, NIV)

Peter knew that people were gathered to pray at John Mark’s house and so he headed straight for it. (Acts 12:13) Do we know where to find the nearest prayer group? Would they let us in?

Fear and unbelief kept Peter outside for quite a bit. (Acts 12:12-15, NIV) These folks had been praying for Peter yet when he was released they didn’t believe it. Do we really believe that God will answer the prayers we pray?

God opened the doors of the prison, but the people praying for Peter did not. What doors are we refusing to open? How are we delaying the Gospel because of our own fears?

Prayer –Dear Lord, give us wisdom on the doors in our life. Give us the courage to walk in freedom through the open doors of your opportunities. Amen.