Our beloved Pastor spoke on the rescue mission of hostage, Douglas Wood, from the insurgents of Iraq, comparing it with Peter's supernatural, mind-boggling liberation from the prison guards. (Acts 11) He compares these unique releases.
Insurgents captured engineer Wood, working in Iraq; holding him prisoner, demanding that USA and Australia withdraw forces from this nation.

Pastor. Satan is a taskmaster, 'You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. 'We are the slaves to sin. Peter had been assaulted by Roman authorities, falsely imprisoned, and secure under 16 guards.

The insurgents, torturing him at gun-point, demanded his nations via Arabic television, that his life would be forfeited if they did not accede to their hassle.

Pastor. The prisoner had no alternative course, while his tormentors mocked him. Satan taunts us on our departure from the faith. Our Lord defeated this callous enemy on the cross.
Peter slept child-like, threatened that after Passover, he would be slain. He endured discomfort of chains, loss of privacy and all human, dignified privileges.

Our nation mobilised organised SAS troops, intelligence forces, Dept of external affairs, with a negotiating team to proceed immediately to the crisis scene. It blended into extraordinary team work. Many believers prayed importunately.

Pastor. Paul expressed it well: 'The exceeding greatness of His power, towards us who believe; according to the working of his mighty power; which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power, and might and dominion
(Ephesians 1:19-21) Our Lord mobilised heavenly resources to set us free.

Douglas submitted to this torment for 47 days, while his tormentors often changed location, pressurising him and his loved ones, as screened on Arabic television. How long could a man endure such testing?

Pastor. God promised, 'That we would not be tested above what we are able to bear. But will with the testing, make a way of escape, that we may be able to bear it. ' (1 Corinth 10:13)
The Holy Spirit intruded into this Jerusalem prison, comforting Peter's heart during custody, assuring of the Lord's gracious presence and ultimate deliverance.

In Baghdad, intelligence raided an undesirable suburb, where the insurgents frequented, two of whom died in the exchanged fire. Then they drew aside a blanket under which the terrified hostage had hidden; and a smiling, relieved face emerged. He shouted, 'I'm free. You have rescued me.' SAS troops led him out into light and freedom.

Pastor. 'Peter came to himself, Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel , and has delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.' (Acts 2:11) God had intervened through His heavenly servant.

Australia's Prime Minister John Howard wisely commented, 'Gordon Woods had a guardian angel.' Our Lord Jesus told us, 'In heaven their angels always see the face of My father who is in heaven.' We believers are so privileged.

When Lazarus was raised from the dead, he came forth bound hand and foot with grave clothes. 'Loose him' said the Lord. Gordon Woods had to be released from the grave clothes, which may be Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as he relives his distressing, traumatic ordeal over coming years. Our Lord promises cleansing of memories through His precious life-blood, to a repentant child of God.

'Come and get me,' the exultant Gordon cried on television, pleading with his wife and family to claim him as a free man. At a secret rendezvous, he was reunited with his wife; Later the extended family regrouped in Melbourne a 'world away' from the deep anguish and turmoil. They celebrated, especially as his brothers had appealed to his captors on television that they spare his life. What joy.

Pastor. The Acts prayer meeting could not accept that God had answered prayer, as Peter pummelled the door, seeking entrance. 'Come and get me,' was his cry.
Also, the child of God often cries, 'Come quickly, Lord Jesus'. The Lord will come in the clouds of heaven for His own, raising the dead, and transforming us for heaven.

On television, Gordon Woods apologised to the PM and the President of the USA for his urgent demand to withdraw troops from Iraq, explaining the persistent duress of his captors.

Pastor. When satan pressures us mercilessly, we must confess our sins, for He is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
George Woods proposed to write of the severe, secret affliction of terrifying days and horrifying nights and how daring men risked their lives to liberate him.

Pastor. Our Lord Jesus was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquity. He gave His life a ransom for many. If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

During my devotional reading early that morning, the Lord impressed me with the character of the rescue mission: and that our Pastor would utilise such.
Pray for your Pastor and bible teachers that the Lord will equip them with truth and realistic life examples. Let God's word come alive. Let the lion loose!