Great King Herod was still at his wicked ways according to Acts 12. He had some of the people that belonged to the church arrested. Some were put to death. And then he arrested Peter. Peter was a real big threat to Herod evidently because Jesus had said,that it was upon Peter that he would build his church. But Peter could be gotten rid of. It was the rest of what Jesus said then that made the real difference. He said about the church..." and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." And as we know, hell has been trying to do just that from times beginning. But back to Peter and the angel of the Lord.
Peter was a threat to Herod as while he was in prison, there were no less then 16 soldiers that stood guard over him. But also while there, the church had been "earnestly praying to God for him."
Herod was going to bring him out for a public trial after Passover. But, the night before that was to happen, as he slept bound and chained between 2 guards and more guards at the entrance, there came a sudden light in his cell. And there was an angel of the Lord who struck him on his head, and said to him, "Quick! Get up." At this, the chains on his wrists fell off. And the angel told him to get dressed and to follow him. Peter did, but he was a tad bit confused at what was going on. They passed the soldiers and got to the iron gate which opened by itself and they walked until the angel left him. In spite of the fact that Peter was confused as to what had happened, (after all, it was the middle of the night and he had been asleep), he knew that the Lord had sent him an angel to escape from the plans that Herod had for him. So he went to the home of Mary where people had gathered to pray. But they couldn't believe what had happened. (Remember that scripture 'O, ye of little faith. Mathew 8:26. I guess that they hadn't put much faith in the prayers they had been praying. But then are we not like that sometimes?)
And yet, there Peter was and he explained that the Lord had gotten him out of prison.
The angel of the Lord. Just an angel? God? Jesus? Who?
Who does know the complete dealings of God? None of us. As always, he is God, he can do anything or choose anyone at his own discretion, in his own timing.
One interesting point though at the end of that story about Peter and King Herod. After Peter had escaped prison, Herod had an thorough search to find him made but they couldn't find him anywhere. .So Herod cross examined the guards and ordered they be put to death.
They hadn't even known what happend during the night. So much for their service to him. What had it cost them. Their lives. That is what sin will do for those that do not believe and repent of their sin, for sin will catch up with us, sooner or later otherwise. . And how sad that is.
Scripture for today found in Acts 12: 1-19
September 24, 2019 Promise: Cast all your cares on him. For he cares for you. I Peter 5:7
Hi Friends. He does care for his children. And he gave us a way to escape from the chains of the devil. Whether we are tired, or confused or whatever the case may be. But just as Peter had to do when the angel of the Lord told him, "Follow me", we have to follow him. Everyday and as best as we can. The road of the city may have been long for Peter when the angel led him out. But he found his way back to the house of people that loved and were praying for him. That is what God wants for us. To escape our sin by asking Jesus into our lives, repenting of our sin and following him out of the darkness. That is our only safety net between here and eternity. Hard roads ahead. Maybe and probably. But at the end, it will have all been worth the risk. And the trip. Thanks for coming by today and be blessed!
No comments:
Post a Comment