17 But [Peter] motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.
[Acts 12:16-17]
It is now Peter’s testimony time. Someone says you need a test to have a testimony. Peter had a severe test and his testimony is likewise a great one.
After telling them what God had some, he instructed them to go and tell it to James and the rest. The James here is the brother of Jesus. The other James, the brother of John the Beloved Apostle had already been beheaded by Herod. At first, this James and the other brothers of Jesus didn’t believe in Jesus (John 7). However, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, James and the rest became ardent followers of Jesus. They were also at the Upper room on the day of Pentecost, when there was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This James is the author of the General Epistle of James. Jesus’ other brother is the one who wrote The Book of Jude. I’m amazed the way they introduce themselves in their writings. You’ll see statements like: “James [or Jude], a servant (or bond servant) of our Lord Jesus…. They never mentioned the fact that they were brothers of Jesus. I find that instructive.
Though Peter was the General Overseer of The Church, James was the one doing the day to day administration of The Church. James was a great Bible teacher, a Man of great faith, wisdom and excellent leadership skills.
I’ve narrated this to show us two things. The first is that Peter was a humble leader. He didn’t see James’ administrative and leadership skills asthreats to his position as The Boss. He allowed James’ gift to benefit the Church as a whole. This attribute of Peter is lacking in most of our Churches today and also at our workplaces. Nowadays, when someone is doing well, others begin to elbow him/her. They start undermining and spreading falsehood in order to cause disaffection for the person. This is anti-Christ. We should go back to our winning ways.
The second lesson is that the prayer meetings that led to the miraculous release of Peter were attended by ordinary church members. From the passage, none of the apostles were there. It’s because they were all targets of wicked Herod and so needed to be in hiding. Nowadays, pastor must be present at all prayer meetings before people will come. This is wrong. Let’s do our bit for God whether church leadership is around or not. We’re serving God and not doing things to please man.
In conclusion, just like Peter, may you be the next person in line to share your testimony. Peter was delivered from the claws of death at the very last minute. That’s why I know it’s not too late for your miracle. Receive your own testimony in the Name of Jesus. God bless, keep you and give you peace. Amen
DIVINE EXCHANGE
18 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
19 But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.
[Acts 12: 18 &19]
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
See the power of God at work! The angel of God entered the prison cell to deliver Peter and the two soldiers guarding him in the cell at that material moment didn’t have the slightest idea of what was happening. Neither did the other two soldiers outside the cell. Verse 4 says Herod deployedfour quaternions of soldiers to keep Peter. That actually makes 16 soldiers. Four would keep watch in the morning, four in the afternoon, four in the evening and four at night. At any given time, two of the soldiers would have to be in the cell with Peter, while the other two would be at the door. Meanwhile, Peter’s hands and feet were in chains. What at all was the devil afraid of? You see, when Christ lives in the inside of you, you are a dangerous person for the kingdom of darkness. You may not know what you carry; but the devil knows you so well and is sore afraid of you. You may see yourself as insignificant, unknown, unpopular and irrelevant. Your family and friends may not see you as a VIP. However, in the realms of the spirit, you are a Commander-in-Chief and a General in the Army of the Lord.
We’re told at daybreak there was total confusion in the camp of Herod and his soldiers. Herod looked for Peter and couldn’t find him. He therefore executed the soldiers in place of Peter. God promised to give people as ransom for you and nations in your place because you’re precious in His eyes and He loves you. David says,“They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have dug a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah”(Psalm 57:6). Peter had these scriptures fulfilled in his life. May you be thenext in line for these kindsof miracles.
This week, and for the rest of your life:
* May God sow confusion in the midst of those who gather against you
*May those who consult and scheme against you go in your place while you clearly and cleanly escape
*May He hide you in the hollow of His hand so that those who seek your life to do you evil won’t find you.
*You won’t die before your time.
*May you live and fulfil God’s divine assignment for your life.
In the Name of Jesus, we call it done. Amen
