Jump Start # 4094
Acts 12:10 “When they had passed te first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street and immediately the angel departed from them.”
Our verse today details Peter’s escape from prison. This wasn’t a daring picking the locks, overcoming the guards and taking hostages, like the scenes from a movie. In fact, this wasn’t Peter’s idea. He was deep in the prison, chained with two guards on either side of him, asleep. There were guards at the door keeping watch. There was no escaping, except when God gets involved, there is no stopping Him. An angel was sent. There was a light in the dark prison. The chains instantly fell off. They walked past the guards, and came to an iron gate. The gate opened up for them and Peter walked out. So many miracles tucked in this deliverance from God. The Lord wanted Peter out and Peter got out.
But, this is much more than just a powerful historical section that shows the power of the Lord and the answer to fervent prayers. There is a parallel symbolically to our salvation. Notice four aspects layered in this section.
First, God loosens the chains that bind us. The chains of sin. The chains of addiction. The chains of guilt, shame and failure. We may think that there is no hope. We may believe that we will be chained forever. But, God can break us free from these chains. It’s the Gospel message that will do that. The angel told Peter to get up quickly and to put on his sandals. There was something Peter had to do. The angel could open locked doors, release chains and get by guards, but he didn’t put on Peter’s shoes. He had to do that himself.
It may be that the reason we still are chained to our past and our sins is that we are expecting God to put on our shoes and carry us out. God can do what we can not. But we must do what we can. You can get down to the church house and worship. You can open your Bible and believe. You can pray. You can change the circumstances that get you locked up and tied up in sin.
Second, God opens gates that have been closed to us. The freedom, peace and joy that God intended to dwell within our hearts has been shut out because of the dungeon we have gotten ourselves into. Moments of laughter don’t last. Vacations end. That deep satisfaction and joy can only be found when the dungeon gates are opened by God. There is a peace that surrounds our hearts that comes from God. Worry, fear and doubt stay in the dungeon once we walk out. God’s in charge. God’s got it. God’s already into tomorrow. I don’t have to try to run the universe, God will. I don’t have to solve every problem, God can. I don’t have to straighten everyone up, the Lord has that.
Can you imagine how fresh that night air was to Peter when he walked out. Dungeons stink. Dungeons are dirty. And, the dungeon’s of Satan are just like that.
Third, God can guide us through the darkness. The angel left when Peter got out into the streets of Jerusalem. Dark, Peter must have wondered at first where he was. The NAS wonderfully words this passage as: “When Peter came to himself, he said, ‘Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth is angel and rescued me…” Peter came to himself. We remember the Prodigal coming to himself. Peter knew for sure that the Lord was guiding him. And, when we are sure that God is leading us, through His word, we’ll find ourselves through the dark streets of culture. A lot of things are said. Not all of them are true. What we do know is true, is God’s word.
How fitting, long before this, the Psalmist declared that God’s word was a “lamp unto his feet.” Jesus is described as the Light of the world. There is a way that is clearly marked. There is a path that the Lord wants us to follow. God will get you through the darkness of grief, the darkness of loneliness and the darkness of trouble. In the dark, we don’t know which way to go. In the dark, it is easy to stumble and fall. But with a light on, we know.
Fourth, Peter was restored to the fellowship of God’s people. Out from prison, Peter didn’t run away. He didn’t hide in the forest. He made his way to Mary’s house. There with others, joy and happiness was restored. Prayers were answered. Peter was safe. Peter was home where he belonged.
Salvation in Christ will not only unite us back with the Lord, but it will connect us once again to God’s people. Sometimes it’s the uniting with God’s people that is difficult. Too many questions. Too many tongues wagging. Not enough hugs, tears and joy. Locked up Peter, once again was freed by the power of God.
We too are freed by the power of God.
Roger