The Heavenly Man – 14 Oct 2008

The book of Acts contains many miraculous events which happened in the life of Paul, Peter and others of the early band of disciples and newly converted followers of Jesus.

Here is one example, when Peter was in prison:

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.  Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.  They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 
Acts 12:6-10 [NIV]

But can we believe these things?  Why doesn’t God do these things today?

The story of Brother Yun of the persecuted Chinese church is full of testimonies to similar events, on one occasion he walked out of the maximum security prison in which he was held.  Aided by the “God of Peter”, walking past guards, through the front gates which were never normally opened, and out onto the main street can only be described as a miracle.  The truth of his testimony has been verified by many people.  Not only that, but his legs which had been brutally broken to prevent him escaping, were totally healed.  I strongly recommend you read his testimony “The Heavenly Man” as it is full of faith-enhancing experiences like this.

Our God is as strong and as capable of miracles as ever – the persecuted church in is one which can testify to the truth of this statement.

Thank you Lord, for your power to perform miracles for those who are faithful and obedient to your word.  Help us to put our trust in you.

Amen.