Keep on Knocking

"But Peter kept on knocking..." Acts 12:16a

As Peter shows up at Mary's house, they are still inside praying for his release. They literally cannot believe it is him at the door and leave him standing there for a long time. Peter knows he is there and persistently keeps knocking. He has just been delivered from prison by an angel. Locks are falling off, guards can't see them and doors are swinging open. Then he gets to where the believers are, back in the real world and the door is locked. It seems ironic that as soon as the element of human reactions and disbelief are once again in play, things slow down. But, the Scripture says... Peter kept on knocking. You see, once you have seen God's power, once you have experienced the supernatural, once you have tasted and seen His glory and power, you never give up, no matter what.
I am guessing that this circumstance even must have somewhat humored or amused Peter. Can you imagine? After he mysteriously escapes from jail, then he is locked out of the place where they are praying for him. They are praying for him to be released and protected, yet cannot believe he is standing at the door. Why are we sometimes so surprised when God answers prayer? Deep inside, do we actually not believe that God can answer us? Maybe it’s that we are just going through the motions because we think we should be faithful and trust Him, in spite of what we really think? I can see Peter suggesting to the girl who answered the door that she go tell James, (the half-brother of Jesus) that it really is him, Peter, and he is really at the door. I think he himself is so excited to tell the story of how the angel came to him and brought him out that he is anticipating being able to say, "Surprise!" when they finally come to the door. The Bible is so real in the way that it reveals the way of human beings.

So what about us? What is our lesson today? If we are Peter and we know God is at work, even if nobody else gets it yet...well, keep on knocking. Don't give up. Be patient with your fellow human beings who can't believe what you just saw. Peter remembers that it was just a little while ago that he didn't believe what was happening to him. Then on the other hand if you are the friends of Peter... believe sooner. Open your mind and your spirit and trust that God can do something beyond your understanding. Don't be one of the last ones to catch on to the fact that God's power is at work. Keep on checking the door. So if you are on the outside, keep on knocking. If you are on the inside... keep checking the door. God is either gonna let you in or bring your answer to the door.
I find this prognosis encouraging. God is at work. Opening doors, bringing answers, setting people free. Don't give up. Keep knocking and keep checking the door. Listen... something is happening. Ask God what it is and respond with faithful anticipation. He is on both sides of the door.

With Faith,
Pastor Fred

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