“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”
Acts 12:5
Dear HBIC Family,
When was the last time you were rescued? When did you last reach your wit’s end, and needed someone else to come through for you? Was it an emergency at home, or a big project at work? Or maybe it was as serious as an accident, or as annoying as misplacing your keys? One time that always sticks out, happened my first year at summer camp. I knew I couldn’t swim, but that wasn’t enough to keep me in the shallow end. I saw all the kids having fun jumping off the low and high diving boards. I had to go have fun too. The walk up was exciting, the jump into the air was thrilling, the fear as I kept slipping up and down in the water, was terrifying. I still praise God for his rescue through the lifeguard that day.
More recently, I was rescued a few weeks ago, on my way to vacation. My car was at the dealership for some repairs due to a recall, and I was given a courtesy vehicle to use for the week. On my way out of town, I promptly hit something on the road (in a construction zone) that punctured my tire. Having one of our daughters in the backseat only made things more tense. I was able to make it to the side of the road, but with cars zipping by I was not even a little bit interested in putting on a spare tire.
My life wasn’t in danger. God had actually protected us from what alternately could have been a very dangerous situation. Danger may be around the corner or a breath away, but most of us escape dangers daily, with God saving us. It might be the car you just avoided hitting, maybe because you looked down at your phone while driving even though you shouldn’t ever do so. Or it may be getting up from a dangerous slip and fall, but with only hurt pride and not broken bones. We worship and serve a God who not only rescues us, but God also protects us.
For some Christians around the world, our God who rescues has shown up in prisons, under violent and oppressive governments, and sometimes even dangerous family or community members. For these same sisters and brothers, the prayer of saints the world over is a powerful weapon in their struggle to live, and to keep telling others about Jesus. My friend Samuel reminded me this week of how God has been rescuing schoolgirls from militant groups that have been kidnapping them in Nigeria – and how prayer has been a powerful weapon in this tragic struggle. Praise God who hears our prayers.
This week, we will continue our Acts: The Church Then and Now series by learning more about our God who rescues and protects through the story of God’s angel leading Peter out of prison and chains, and into safety and community. To prepare for this week’s services, I would like to invite you to read and meditate on Acts 12:1-19. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:
What does this passage say about God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)?
What does this passage say about how God works before, during, and after our rescue?
Who is God calling you to intercede for through prayer?
Who is God calling you to share about what God has done in your life?
Years ago, I discovered the music of Lauren Daigle. Ever since then, she’s been one of my favorites. One of her most popular songs, in the chorus, has this reminder of God answering our calls for rescue:
I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS
I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
Sisters and brothers, we worship a God who rescues and protects us. We have a God who hears our cries for help, and also the faithful prayer of other believers on our behalf. It may take an army, it may come through a reassuring word or feeling. It may come in the heat of the day, or the darkest part of the night. But praise God, it’s true, God will rescue you!
God bless you all.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Hank (Acts 12:5)