PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 12:12-19
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Peter described how the Lord had brought him out of prison.” (Acts 12:17)
My story is different than Peter’s story.
But I can relate to his being set free by the Lord, from a different prison.
Jesus has a calling and purpose for all of us, yet many barriers hold us back.
Sometimes, like with Peter, they can be external forces – persecution.
In my case the barriers are internal, in my mind, ways of thinking that hold me back.
My story of rescue is how the Lord has saved me from churchianity and hollow religion.
I see a parallel in Paul’s story, how he met Jesus and was set free (Philippians 3).
So how do I describe my story, how the Lord has brought me out of prison?
We are all witnesses to what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives.
All of us, in some sense, have been prisoners (or still are).
“Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.” (‘And Can It Be’, Charles Wesley)
How has Jesus set you free… how would you describe this to others?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for breaking me free from religion and churchianity. Help me to keep ‘going forth and following thee!’
“Rhoda came to answer the door.” I try to imagine myself to be a small servant like Rhonda – often relegated to do simple tasks around the house. How excited she was she left the door still locked, but she recognized Peter’s voice. But when she was inside the adults wouldn’t believe her – how frustrating – yet it is the very thing that the all the people in the room were praying for. But finally the door is opened and yes it really is Peter. What a stir that must of caused. How exciting for Rhoda too! They had to believe what she said was true! Lord, help me to cause excitement about your presence in my life. Maybe people won’t believe me like Rhoda at first – but help me to be faithful and continue to insist that you are a real living saviour who is willing to come to all who believe -the gift of your HS makes me sure. Help me to not loose sight of the excitment!
God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. Peter was freed to continue to serve. Since the covid doors were closed to serve in different countries but doors were opened to serve locally. Free to serve telling others what the Lord has done for me. We all are free to serve where we have been planted sharing His good news in words and deeds.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform.
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan his work in vain.
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.