Acts 12:18-19

Humanity values knowledge. People make big money on game shows using their knowledge of trivia. People make huge advances in human health through their knowledge of medicine. Our young adults go tens of thousands of dollars into debt, seeking knowledge at institutions of higher learning.

Knowledge allows people to gain respect and make a living. A mechanic’s knowledge of an automobile’s inner workings makes him or her an expert in their field. Even a jack-of-all-trades depends upon knowledge. Without knowledge, chaos, death and destruction would rule the day.

Even though knowledge is essential to the function of human civilization, most of us are not as smart as we think we are and we do not know as much as we think we do. Knowing what you do not know is the start of true wisdom. A lack of knowledge results in unintended consequences for our actions. We have all experienced this in one form or another.

The disciples prayed for, and God gave, Peter’s release from prison. Based on what they knew, they all believed it was a good thing. I agree with them. However, I do not believe that when they prayed they knew that Peter’s release would result in the death of others. Herod had Peter’s guards executed. Whether it was just the two, who had chained themselves to him, or all 16 soldiers assigned to guard duty, we do not know.

If they had known Peter’s temporary safety was going to result in the death of 16 soldiers would they have prayed the same? We sometimes wonder why our prayers are not answered the way we expect. God knows everything that is knowable. When He acts, He does so knowing all possible consequences. God chose to set Peter free because in the historical long view the results were worth the consequences.

When we talk to God about our dreams and hopes, we put the powerful force of prayer into action. With limited knowledge, we pray the best we can. We know God’s answer will be righteous.