Pastor Wes Morris
Acts 12:1-10 (TLB) About that time King Herod moved against some of the believers and killed the apostle James. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish leaders, he arrested Peter during the Passover celebration and imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of sixteen soldiers.
Herod’s intention was to deliver Peter to the Jews for execution after the Passover. But earnest prayer was going up to God from the church for his safety all the time he was in prison. The night before he was to be executed, he was asleep, double-chained between two soldiers with others standing guard before the prison gate, when suddenly there was a light in the cell and an angel of the Lord stood beside Peter!
The angel slapped him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists! Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your shoes.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me!” the angel ordered.
So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a dream or vision and didn’t believe it was really happening. They passed the first and second cell blocks and came to the iron gate to the street, and this opened to them of its own accord! So they passed through and walked along together for a block, and then the angel left him.
✓ Prayer is our priority.
Acts 12:5 (GNT) Peter was kept in jail, but the people of the church were praying earnestly to God for him.
✓ Problems are an opportunity to rely on God’s power.
✓ Peace isn’t the absence of problems, it’s the presence of Jesus.
I. REJOICE
I Peter 4:13 (MSG) Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
II. EXAMINE
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. Find out if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way.
III. SILENCE
Exodus 14:13-14 (MSG) Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again.
14 God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!”
Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Be still and know that I am God.
IV. TRUST
Acts 12:18-23 (TLB) At dawn, the jail was in great commotion. What had happened to Peter? When Herod sent for him and found that he wasn’t there, he had the sixteen guards arrested, court-martialed and sentenced to death.
21-23 An appointment with Herod was granted, and when the day arrived he put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. At its conclusion the people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It is the voice of a god and not of a man!”
Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness so that he was filled with maggots and died—because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God.
Matthew 11:28-29 (MSG) Are you tired? Worn out?...Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
