Read: Acts 12:1–19
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” Acts 12:7
We have an image of angels that include wings, halos, and perhaps even playful bows and arrows. We hang angels on Christmas trees, place ceramic angels on our mantels, and we have plenty of children’s story books—and even more adult versions—that feature white-winged creatures. The way we buy and sell angels would give even the most committed believer doubts about their reality.
There are no wings or cherubs or ceramic angels in this scripture. Just a man quietly entering a prison cell, with a light, and the ability to unlock chains and unbar doors. The truth is, the angel in this story could have been anyone with courage enough to act on the will of God. For in the end, that is exactly who angels are—individuals that work on behalf of God.
Can you remember a time when a flesh and blood angel came to your rescue?
Lord, I do not believe in the angels on Hallmark greeting cards. But I do believe that You send real angels to tend to us in those difficult and dark moments of our lives. I thank you for the angels that have visited my life. And I pray that You continue to send angels to those who find themselves imprisoned in one way or another in this life. In Jesus, name I pray. AMEN.