Miracle

Acts 12:16

But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.

 

Believers were fearful for their personal safety since James the brother of John had been killed by Herod. Seeing that what he had done pleased the Jews, Herod arrested Peter also leaving four squads of soldiers to guard him. While Peter was in prison, the church prayed diligently, and as Peter was sleeping, an angel came to him and woke him. After his chains had fallen off, he dressed himself making ready for a journey. Peter followed the angel, even though he doubted the reality of it and thought he was having a vision. He went passed the first and second gate and then finally the iron gate leading to the city without any problem. Amazingly, the gates opened of their own accord. Leaving Peter on a city street, the angel left, and Peter realized that it was not a vision but a reality.

 

Peter then went to the house of Mary. When he knocked on the door, Rhoda, a servant girl answered. Knowing it was Peter, she ran to tell those assembled at the house who were praying for Peter at this exact time. Sadly, they did not believe her! But Peter continued knocking until finally the door was opened. When he walked into their presence, they were amazed. Relaying to them his angelic experience, he dispatched people to tell James and the brothers. God's purpose allowed James to be killed but Peter to be saved. Did Herod do anything apart from the express will of God? No, he was merely an instrument accomplishing God's purpose and will.

 

Even though Herold was livid about Peter's escape and had killed the soldiers who had guarded him, his power was soon to end. One day he put on his royal robes and sat upon his throne. After speaking to those assembled, the people shouted that he was a god and not a man. Immediately, the angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give God the glory. He was eaten by worms and breathed his last breath. Certainly, a case of poetic justice! The Christians were not deterred by these incidents; in fact, the Word of God increased and multiplied! God's will and purpose takes many different forms. For some, it is safety and protection, but for others it could mean death and persecution.  What it means for any believer is a walk of trust and faith in God even when the circumstances are hard to understand.

 

Father,

Build my faith in You so that fear will not take root in my heart. Help me to stand for You even in hard times.

In Jesus name,

Amen