Jesus has given up His life to ransom the souls of men, but death could not hold Him. Risen again, He promises a power that will come over His people.
Despite the joy that He is alive and interceding in the heavenlies on their behalf, heartache has...
John crumpled to his knees. It wasn't unknown that persecution was around. He himself had been arrested for the cause of Christ. He had friends give their lives, but when it touches home, it's different. James was his best friend. His fishing buddy. His brother. Both had been called by Jesus at the same time. Both immediately left their father in the boat. To imagine not seeing him again... at least on earth was shattering.
Herod the King had won. At least temporarily, putting James to death with the sword. If Saul, who changed his name to Paul, had backed out, he would take it upon himself to vex certain of the church. The Jews were well pleased, and it didn't take long to take Peter in custody during the days of unleavened bread.
Shut up in prison, he had four quaternions of soldiers to keep him in watch. After Easter, he'd bring him forth to the people. He could picture it now in his mind's eye. If they had rejoiced at James' death, how much more so Peter?
While the Jews were ecstatic, the people of God cried out for his life in prayer without ceasing. Only God could help now. Easter was only a few days hence.
Easter came as it does year after year. The sun was shining and while some Christians today would say that it is a glorious thing for a sunny day on Easter, as if the Lord raised on a pagan day, in Israel it was not kept.
Peter had all but lost hope. He wasn't about to recant his faith, and figured, if nothing was to be done by God to deliver him, so be it. He would pass the last bit of time left on the earth in sleep. And so he lay between two soldiers, bound with chains, the door of the prison fast shut.
Peter was a heavy sleeper for neither he nor the gatekeepers saw the brilliant light shining in the dank prison.
The angel even looked surprised. Rise, valiant man of God! But no, Peter continued to snore. A different means would have to be used to rouse him. The angel hit Peter on his side, Peter biting back an "Ouch!" when he came face to face with the servant of the Most High.
"Arise up quickly!"
Peter was in a stunned stupor, barely noticing the chains fall off of his hands.
The angel hurried him, explaining every step that he had to take. Was the man still half asleep? "Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me."
Peter couldn't be blamed, following lamely his lead his head so foggy he couldn't tell if it were reality or a vision, regardless he followed closely as they passed the first and then the second ward until they came to the iron gate that opened into the city. Without a creak, the door swung open and let the two out. As they turned onto another street, the angel disappeared and Peter came to himself.
"Surely the Lord has sent me His angel to deliver me!" Peter praised the Lord, making quick steps towards John Mark's house where many gathered together praying. Looking around him, he quickly began to beat against the door of the gate with his fist. "Oh hurry!"
Rhoda wiped the tears from her eyes standing at the outside of the room where prayers were uttered for Peter, running to listen at the door. The Lord's will would surely be done. Easter hours away. "Who goes there?"
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