On The Street

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Category: General | Jan 1992

That is where Peter found himself after a stint in prison; and he was alone.

Bewilderment might describe his feelings after such a dramatic rescue

from imprisonment. He had been bound with chains between two guards; his death sentence seemed imminent. Yet he slept! Such was the faith and courage of this devout disciple who once denied his Master out of fear. Perhaps the fires of trial associated with Christ and His testimony had purged away the dross and left a man of pure steel. His execution was possibly but hours away and Peter slept. This enables us to understand his pen writing later: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you" (1 Pet. 4:12).

In the inner prison unknown to sleeping Peter, the comatose guards and praying saints, an angel had arrived from heaven. He awakened Peter and ignored the sleeping guards. As the doors and gates opened untouched by hand the angel brought Peter out to the street. There he left him, and Peter began talking to himself. "Now I know of a truth", he said, "that the Lord hath sent forth His angel and delivered me" (Acts 12:11). The experience still seemed beyond comprehension, and where he stood in the street Peter gave it more thought. "And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary where many were gathered together and were praying" (v.12). Decision was made, and on the way to the "house of prayer" Peter would be walking light of step no doubt, anxious to encourage the saints after their obvious answer to prayer. What a joy to their souls would be the appearance of Peter before them, putting to rest all their doubts and fears. Happiest of all would surely be dear Rhoda who had been castigated by her faithless brothers and sisters. "Thou art mad", was their hurtful comment. How careful we should be in what we say to one another.

Our narrative confirms, too, an aspect of angels' work toward God's people. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?" (11eb. 1:14). Perhaps Peter, too, had his prison experience in mind when he wrote for our encouragement:

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good? But and if ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord (1 Pet. 3:13-15).

Strange things can happen to us on the street of life, leaving us somewhat bewildered. There is nothing to fear if God's hand is in it as with Peter. Let us do as he did: consider. This word carries the thought of seeing circumstances with a single view, God's view, for example; perception, awareness. Paul's yearning is a great help in this connection, too. "Having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know ... the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe" (Eph. 1:18,19).

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Jan 1992
General