Upper Loft Meditation - Acts 12

“You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it ws so, they said, “It must be his angel.” But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. - Acts 12:15-16

Peter was in prison under heavy guard after James had been put to death. King Herod was intent on prosecuting the followers of Jesus. There was blood in the air and growing hostility. The believers had gathered to pray and intercede for Peter. God sent an angel to set Peter free in an impossible manner - the chains fell off - the iron gate opened - and Peter walked away from sixteen guards!

Another astonishing part of the story is the unbelief of the believers. When Peter knocks on the door of the prayer meeting no one believes that it could be him. How often do we pray because our needs are overwhelming? There is no viable alternative. The focus of our prayers, however, are on our impossible needs and not on the Lord who delivers. Faith in prayer comes as we look to God and not at the impossible. God sees more clearly than we do the disaster we face.

When Peter recounts what had happened his emphasis is not on the miraculous impossibilities, but simply on “the Lord brought him out.”

If we believe the Lord is with us on our journey of faith, should we be surprised over the overflowing acts of mercy and grace because of his everlasting love to those who believe?