Rescued

Acts 12:9-11 Peter followed the angel out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; Peter thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”
 
THINK for a minute about Peter’s life to this point. He had watched Jesus speak healing to many. Peter had witnessed Jesus’ glory in the Transfiguration (Mark 9). Peter saw the empty tomb. Then he ate with and learned from the risen Savior. Jesus specifically commissioned Peter, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17c) The Spirit’s fire had then opened Peter’s mouth to preach at Pentecost (Acts 2). Peter healed the lame (Acts 3), and he raised the dead (Acts 9). Stll in this moment of freedom, Peter did not believe he was truly walking free of prison’s shackles, guards and iron gates. Is this typical of our Christian life? Even when we stop to consider the many ways God has moved in our lives, do we still wonder, “Is my Lord truly helping me now?”
   One of God’s answers comes from Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  
   Jesus, the Son of God, has walked where you are walking. He knows about the happiness you experience, and Jesus knows about your sorrows. Jesus understands the pain of a loved one’s death. He knows physical hardship. Jesus understands the need for rest. Your Lord has confronted evil. The Son has submitted to the Father’s will, so you can walk free of sin’s imprisoning shackles. Consider Jesus’ live and you can go to his throne to know Jesus’ mercy. Understand his grace to help you in your time of need.
   Do not let your mind be set too long on your challenges, weaknesses or disappointments. Jesus’ incarnation is to personally help you know, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” (Psalm 23:1-2)
   Peter followed the angel out of the prison. The gospel message reveals you can follow Jesus because God’s, goodness and love will follow (you) all the days of (your) life, and (you) will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)