We are all delighted to see someone or something released that has been bound. When working on something in my shop, I have often found a bolt or nut so bound that every effort to break the seal or apparent immovable object has proven futile. In such cases, I am always thrilled when the bolt is finally broken free from its seeming weld. However, before the thrill is the shock. Sometimes the shock is accompanied by my hand hitting something else or my body landing on the floor. There is such an expectation of resistance, when it is gone, the body does not know what to do. All the while, the efforts have been aimed at release, but continued resistance has made the applied pressure even more expected though the aim is to break its hold.
We see release shock throughout the Scripture. Jesus predicted his resurrection. The disciples may have believed it, though they certainly didn’t understand it. They could not doubt Jesus’ unusual and unprecedented ability to do the extraordinary. However, when word finally came from the women that the tomb was empty, they had release shock. When Jesus entered their room though the door was bolted, they needed to touch his hands and side and see him eat something. It was nothing more than release shock. They were delighted. Their lives were changed. But, the initial reaction was one of delightful astonishment.
When Peter was imprisoned and set for execution, the disciples were fervently praying for his release (Acts 12). My favorite part of the story is found in verses 13-16. They were praying for his release, but could not believe it was him standing outside their door knocking while they were praying for his release. They were too shocked to open the door. Another case of release shock.
Even the most faithful believers, praying for God to move and even expecting him to move, are shocked when he moves. I do not believe the shock is a faith/doubt response as much as it is pure human surprise. There is so much resistance for so long. Too many people are pushing the other way. Too many circumstances are pressing against our prayers. That is what makes a miracle feel miraculous. That is what makes grace so spectacular. That is what makes love the most incredible trait conceivable. It is the pure human surprise that what we have been working for, praying for, hoping for has in an instance in spite of the perpetual resistance broken free. It is release shock. I hope I have a the worse case of release shock sometime soon.