Daily Devotional

It’s considered one of the most secure prisons in the United States and, according to one periodical, is ranked first of the ten worst prisons. The Administrative Maximum Facility, or ADX, is a U.S. federal supermax prison for male inmates located in Florence, Colorado. It is also known as “the Alcatraz of the Rockies.” It houses prisoners deemed “the most dangerous” and in need of the tightest control. ADX Florence opened in 1994 and can hold 408 inmates. Inside are foreign terrorists, domestic terrorists, double agents, cartel leaders, and organized crime figures.

After several breaches in security at federal prisons, including the murder of correction officers, a more controllable facility was designed to handle inmates that have shown absolutely no concern for human life. ADX Florence contains a multitude of motion detectors, 1,400 remote-con- trolled steel doors, and a 24-hour prisoner monitoring system. Guards can activate a panic button that instantly closes every door in the facility.

When Herod persecuted the early church, he killed James the brother of John, and when he saw how it pleased the Jews, he grabbed Peter
and intended to put him down. After throwing this outspoken disciple of Jesus into prison, Herod assigned “four squads of soldiers” (Acts 12:4) to watch Peter. These sixteen soldiers probably rotated their duties with two chained to the prisoner and two standing guard outside.

But there was another soldier with Peter. While the church prayed, an angel from heaven stood by him. When the angel awakened the sleeping prisoner, Peter’s chains fell off his wrists. As if in a dream, he got up and walked freely past two security wards. No chains, steel doors, or panic buttons could stop this prisoner from being set free.

Do you know someone imprisoned by sin? Let the church rise up and pray. Nothing can prevent God’s love from reaching people, not even a maximum security prison.

Dear Jesus, I pray on behalf of those who have been ensnared by the devil. Send your angels to minister to them.

For Further Study: Acts 12:1–19; Romans 8:38, 39; Psalm 146:5–8