Acts 12 - 01.12.23

SCRIPTURE:

“The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping…”

OBSERVATION:

During this time King Herod Agrippa began an intense persecution against believers.

James [John’s brother] had just been executed by the sword. Herod saw how much the death of James had pleased the Jewish leaders—so he continued his campaign of terror by seizing Peter during the “Feast of the Passover”—planning to bring him to trial immediately after the Passover Celebration (vs 4). Peter was being heavily guarded by sixteen soldiers. On the night before the trial—Herod additionally had Peter bound in chains between two soldiers. This is the summary of verses 1-4. If I am Peter, I am counting the hours—because death is certain—Yet—Peter was sleeping.

UNDERSTANDING:

Peace in the Storm

Peter was sleeping…

I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure if I would be sleeping the night before a certain death—but as I look back on Peter’s life I surely see lesson’s to be gleaned—He understood Peace in a storm. Peter above all the disciples was the one that walked on water that one frightening stormy night when the winds and waves were attempting to take over the boat. AND, when Peter looked away from Jesus and began to sink—he was also the one to experience Jesus Hand pulling him up. Peter witnessed Jesus Authority over the winds and the waves. Peter knew Jesus was his Sovereign Savior for all eternity—in every circumstance—unto death.

Another key component not to be missed—the Church was praying.

“So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent and persistent prayer for him was being made to God by the church.” (Acts 12:5 AMP)

A supernatural Peace has fallen on Peter—come what may—because of the fervent and persistent intercession being made for him. Passionate—faith FILLED—worshipful—unceasing—night and day prayer vigil—petitions—earnestly brought before God on Peter’s behalf. Peter was arrested sometime during the eight day Passover celebration. We don’t know exactly which day—but the believers were in this intense prayer mode for Peter for several days at least.

May we never underestimate or take for granted the power and effect of our genuine intercession.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak—words may be given me

so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:18-19 NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION:

I’m going out on a limb today with….Two Life Applications…

First—

I want to be like Peter…able to sleep in the storms…Peter [like the other disciples] watched Jesus sleeping in the boat when the winds and waves were rushing their boat and they thought they would drown. But, Jesus had told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side” (Mark 4:35). Now, Peter learned how to “rest in the storm” like Jesus.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)

Second—

Pray—our Prayers are Powerful

Peter was miraculously delivered out of chains—out of jail—out past all of the guards and locked gates! Have you ever heard of such a thing? God delivered Peter “out” of an absolutely Impossible situation.

Is there an Impossible situation that you are facing today? Pray! Better yet—invite other believers to PRAY and intercede WITH you. NOTHING is Impossible for God.

“I am the Lord, the God of ALL mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to HIM be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)

LORD Jesus,

Thank you today for your peace. The Peace that you freely Give that has no bearing on circumstances. Peace that is found IN You. Thank you for the Gift of Prayer—You tore the curtain and gave us intimate personal access to be in Your Presence and bring our requests directly before You. I pray to pray impossible prayers—for healing and deliverance. To see your hand move in our church and city—to make your name known. I Praise Your Name that You are God and able to do immeasurably more than ALL I could ask OR imagine. I pray for revelation words and Holy Spirit direction so that I may fearlessly make your gospel known. In Jesus Name.

Tina L Kudelka