Peter continued knocking!
Scripture reading for May 21: Acts 12
“When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” But Peter continued knocking. . .” Acts 12:11-16
God is always working to expand our world view through revelation of His ability to do the impossible in answer to prayer. In this story, we find Peter imprisoned after James was executed by Herod. Peter was resting in a deep sleep when awakened by an angel commanding him to get up quickly. As he did, the chains of the prison fell from his hands. He was told to get dressed and follow. As he obeyed, he wasn’t sure what he was experiencing was real, but maybe a vision. As they walked, the doors of the prison opened as if automatic and Peter was free!
Peter then went to the house of Mary, John Mark’s mother. He knew that the church often met there for prayer. He knocked on the door and the servant girl, Rhoda, ran to those gathered there and announced that Peter was at the door. These praying church members laughed at her and told her it was probably Peter’s angel. Their world view was locked on the impossibility of Peter being free from Herod’s jail. Peter continued knocking and they finally opened the door! Peter entered and shared the story of how his world view was altered by a visiting angel and supernatural deliverance from iron chains and prison.
What ways did God employ to free Peter from jail? Why do you think that God allowed James to be killed instead of delivered? Has God ever ‘knocked’ on your heart or mind to expand your vision and increase your faith?
Prayer: Father God, thank you for this simple story of how You revealed Your will to those early church members and apostles. I am strengthened to trust you and to respond and pray in faith in situations that look impossible in the natural. Keep knocking on my door until I open my heart to Your ways. Amen.
0 thoughts on “Peter continued knocking!”