5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7 Now 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.
Acts 12:5-7
James had been martyred and the political/religious Jewish leaders had been happy to see it. This gave Herod a way to keep the off his back with Rome. He took advantage of the situation and had Peter arrested. Meanwhile back at the church God’s people were praying. Their prayers were continuous and earnest. I imagine Peter in the prison wondering what was going on. Jesus had been killed, Stephen had been killed and now James, his lifelong friend, had been executed too. He was waiting for his turn when the Lord sent an angel to rescue him – the night before his “trial” was scheduled.
I have noticed that God often waits until the last minute to rescue us. It seems He is never early. That is probably because I don’t notice when He saves me before the crisis. I also noticed that the angel had to strike Peter to wake him up. Peter was sleeping soundly the night before his execution. He seemed to be at peace with whatever God had in mind for him. I hope I can remember these two points when I am under pressure. God is coming and things will be OK whichever way works out.
Keep my steady Lord. Don’t let me fall apart when the heat is on. I desire for my heart to be fully resting in You.
Waiting on His deliverance,
Pastor Jason
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