So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God…
- Acts 12:5
(Who is praying for you? You may know. You may never know. For whom are you praying? Make sure they know.)
The night is dark. Prison doors are bolted. Wrists are locked in shackles and chains. Sentries of bondage are stationed on either side.
Freedom is near. An angel is on the way.
I believe in angels (because the Bible does); the literal heavenly being, full of light, flaming sword variety.
I also believe in flesh and blood angels. The word "angel" in our New Testament is a transliteration of the original, which simply means "messenger." The context of this passage makes it clear Luke is referring to the former - a heavenly being; as is the case with most biblical references to angels. However, the angels I've experienced have been of the flesh and blood variety. (Though who knows what is unseen.)
Prayers are offered up. A messenger is sent. A dungeon becomes the place of deliverance. The formula, I think, is often the same today: Prayer… messenger… deliverance. The settings change. The messengers change. The prisons and prisoners change. But God still delivers people who are in bondage. He delivers us. And he calls on us to be the prayers for, and the messengers of, deliverance to others.
In Isaiah six, God asks the question: "Whom shall I send, who will go for us?" Isaiah's response: "Here I am, send me."
Maybe your thought is: "But I'm the one in prison. I am the one in the dark place and my chains seem as real as the air I breathe."
Freedom is near. An angel is on the way.
And here is a mystically powerful truth: When we pray for others, and when we are angels to others, our chains begin to fall away.
God, here I am, send me.
For now...
D
