In Acts 12 you find the familiar story of Peter in prison chained between a couple of guards when an angel smacks him (no really) and tells him to get his sandals on and head out the door, which he does. Smart guy. When Peter finally gets outside of the prison and comes to himself he exclaims that God has delivered him from the clutches of Herod and from the expectations of the Jews. The first one isn’t too hard to figure out. Herod represented the invading enemy. But that second one… He’s talking about his people here. It’s odd how Peter was so burdened by the expectations of those around him. We know he gave in to low life peer pressure round the campfire before the crucifixion. But after the resurrection he was a different guy. Or at least that’s what it seemed like. He seemed strong, bold, unshakable, unaffected by the expectations and influence of others. But in Acts 12 he reveals that he was in desperate need of deliverance, not only from the bondage of the enemy but from the bondage of his own people. Expectations make pretty stout chains and those within the household of faith can forge some expectations for you that seem challenging at first but may prove to be the very thing that challenges your freedom and liberty in Christ. If it does, don’t be afraid. An angel may smack you awake one night when you least expect it. Personally, I’m keeping my sandals on.