ARRESTED AGAIN

When King Herod executed James, the brother of John and the son of Zebedee, Peter took a nap, confident that His Glorious God would protect him to the end! What was he thinking as he closed his eyes and drifted off?

Was he remembering Jesus’ promises? “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:28–29). “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Was he meditating on the truth not yet written in the Scriptures? “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31). “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). “You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

As Peter slept peacefully … he was “bound with two chains … between two soldiers, while the sentries in front of the door guarded the prison” (Acts 12:6). One can sleep in jail if you know God has a great and gracious plan!

“Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell” (Acts 12:7). Peter was sleeping so soundly that the angel had to punch him in the side to awaken him. “Quick, get up” urged the angel. Astonishingly, Peter’s shackles fell off, clattering to the ground, but the guards didn’t stir.

With the angelic visitor leading the way, they passed the armed sentries unnoticed. Standing in front of the heavy iron gate, it swung open “by itself” (Acts 12:10). Peter must have rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was dreaming.

Peter walked down the street, shoulder-to-shoulder with the angel, until his heavenly emancipator suddenly disappeared. “When Peter came to himself, he said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp’ ” (Acts 12:11).

God, give us peace in the storm… give us rest from the world’s worries… give us joy in knowing you are always near!

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).