| II Kings 8:1-9:13; Acts 16:16-40; Psalm 143:1-12; Proverbs 17:26
“Then the mob joined in the attack against them, and the chief magistrates stripped off their clothes and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had inflicted many blows on them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to keep them securely guarded. Receiving such an order, he put them into the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:22-25)
Paul commanded a demon to loose a slave girl. When her owners saw they couldn’t profit from her demonic gifts anymore they turned the crowd and the cops on him and Silas. Paul and Silas had a mob after them, were beaten and thrown into jail. They were in the inner jail, in shackles as well. No escaping there…until God, through an ordained earthquake, caused the doors to open and their chains fell off. The guard was scared to death, literally, he thought to kill himself. The Apostle Paul assured the guard they were still there. Had they actually escaped, he would have had to pay the price.
“Then the jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he escorted them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'” (16:29-30)
What does it take to win a soul? Most of us in Christ cannot imagine some of the atrocities experienced by our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. Like the Apostle Paul, there are many Christians who are seriously persecuted. I pray God strengthens us all. Because of Paul and Silas’ witness, the guard got saved and all of his people. How amazing is that. We need to remember that our steps are ordered of the Lord. He has everything under control, even when it doesn’t feel like it. What do you think about Paul and Silas? Would you have felt abandoned? Would you have wondered if God was real? How could those horrible things happen to good Christian men?
Let me say, things in life happen but God is able to use everything. I so respect Paul and Silas. Can you imagine people turning on you, having you beaten and jailed? Man! That’s pretty serious. Paul and Silas didn’t get bitter. They sang in the midnight hour, in the midst of their pain they offered hope to those who heard them. Their witness blessed the other prisoners, not to mention their actions brought salvation to the guard and his family. Exactly what is the price of a soul?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to remember that my steps are ordered by You. I am never alone. Thank You Lord. I appreciate You so much. I am not living for this world but for the next. Forgive me for ever cowering down. Help me to be strong in the face of attack or abuse and to know that You are with me. I love You and praise You, in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. |
