Re:Verse reading–Acts 12:1-19 (day two) And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. vs.7
This story immediately calls to mind a similar episode with Paul and Silas later in the book of Acts. As they are imprisoned their response is to pray and praise…to sing and glorify. This was their custom, not unlike Daniel whose story we studied a few weeks ago.
…and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. Acts 16:26
This very real experience for Peter, Paul, and Silas is also the metaphor for our bondage to sin. We are held, kept captive by the enemy, and closely guarded. What the enemy cannot do, however, is control our response. Whatever the circumstance, Jesus is near. Call out, let the miracle of a prison break happen in your heart. Go ahead and praise him in your captivity, and see if he doesn’t show up in a miraculous way.
Thank you for this. Well said, and worth much reflection.
Great post and good reminder! We should develop a custom, to pray and to praise, to sing and to glorify God and apply this prayering custom in all situations, especially under a challenging situation.
I am convinced. God will be on our side and will show up. We may not see Him but we will see the result of his presence and intervention!