THE DIVINE EXCEPTION

 

 

I’ve always been moved by the amazing account we read in Acts 12. James and Peter were both imprisoned. James was killed by Herod and Peter was next. But then we read what I love to call “the Divine Exception.”

 

So, Peter was kept in prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. (Acts 12:5)

 

Peter was “kept in the prison.” We know a lot of people like this. Perhaps we are like this, in some prison.(Pause right now and think of someone you know who feels they are in an impossible situation).

 

Everything looked impossible and disastrous, except for this one element: “But prayer.” The only difference in the equation was that there was a church that knew how to pray. Who brought God into the equation through humble intercession. And notice how they prayed. Their prayer was …

 

CONTINUAL: “was being made”

They were unwilling to stop. They persevered in prayer.

 

SPECIFIC AND PERSONAL: “for him”

This was not a weak prayer to “bless everyone who needs blessing.” They were pouring out their heart for a specific man with a specific need. This is the kind of prayer that you know when God answers.

 

INTENSE: “fervently”

No light, weak prayer. No, “Yes, I’ll pray for you” that never happens except in your intentions. It was fervent.

 

AUTHORITATIVE: “by the church”

No one else has this power, this authority to come in Jesus’ name into the throne room and cry out to God. No one else has the promises of prayer that the church possesses. And, consequently, no one else has the responsibility.

 

DIRECTIONAL: “to God”

They were not praying to the wind or to a dead god or a stone figure. They were coming to the One who made them all and holds kings in His hands. He has the power and ability to do something about everything.

 

And He did.

 

The next part of the story records the amazing miracles God did in response to the church’s prayers: chains fell off, angels accompanied Peter, gates automatically opened, 16 guards were passed and muted; the church was astounded and encouraged, and God was glorified! Everything that needed to happen in such a situation was powerfully accomplished.

 

Oh, what happens when there is a “but prayer” in the equation!