Astonished! 

Have you ever been astonished? After his resurrection, the followers of Jesus continued to meet at the Temple in Jerusalem. Many believed the Gospel, but this message also created conflict, and got the attention of King Herod, but not in a good way. He was a true dictatorial despot.  

Maybe, you’ll hear a knock at the door and be astonished.

Quick, Get Up

Herod felt this new sect, who kept talking about Jesus, was a threat.  So, he begins to persecute them, first by killing James, the brother of John. “When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews,” he seized Peter and threw him in prison. Even despots need approval to justify their actions.

Just to be sure that Peter did not escape, Herod set a guard of sixteen men to make sure there was no miraculous deliverance. But, an angel of the Lord appeared in the cell and woke Peter saying, “Quick, get up!” and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

Then, the angel told Peter “wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” So, Peter followed him out of the prison, right to and out of the iron gates that led into the city. During this “cloak and dagger” escape, Peter did not believe it was really happening. It must be a dream. Even after the angel left him, I can imagine Peter staggering around on the dark city streets until he finally came to himself. Then, he went to the house where the other Christians were praying for his release. He knocked at the door, but couldn’t convince them that it was really him.

Still Astonished

They were praying, but they were still astonished that what they prayed for actually happened. Astonished that God heard them and granted their request. Does that sound like anyone you know? How many times have you prayed for something not actually believing you would receive it.

Even if you have only a little faith, keep praying. Prayer changes things. I know this is true. I have experienced the power of prayer to change things and seen “God turn it around.”

Here is a challenge I want to put in your heart: Find someone to pray and agree with you. Perhaps, you won’t change the world, but “you” will change. By praying together, you will become closer to God and closer to each other. You will see prayers answered. When this happens, don’t forget to praise God for the answered prayers. Then, maybe, you’ll hear a knock at the door and be astonished.

“But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.”

Acts 12:16

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also, see Over Thinking.