When something bad happens in our life, when some terrible event takes place, possibly very unexpectedly, what do we do? Do we collapse in fear, or in anger, or even in defeat? Do we believe that God can take a very bad situation and bring something good out of it? In our Scripture passage for today from the Book of Acts, we will read about an event in the life of Paul and his missionary companion Silas that could have been cause for much anger, depression, and possibly fear. Instead we see praise to God, and how He turned that event into something good.
As our account begins, Paul and Silas were in the city of Philippi, their first major stop on their first missionary trip into Greece, bringing the Gospel for the first time into Europe. On the first Sabbath in the city, the pair had spoken to some people by the river, and succeeded in bringing several people to the Lord. As we read, the two men were walking through the city, and a girl who was possessed with an evil spirit started following them, crying out that they had a message from the Most High God (vs. 16-18). This girl was a medium in contact with demons, who could supposedly predict the future. Her crying out continued on for several days, and was disturbing to both Paul and Silas. Though what the girl said was true, as they were proclaiming God’s message of salvation, Paul wanted her to stop speaking out. He did not want to appear to be linking the Gospel with demon-related activities. This would damage his message about Christ. Truth and evil do not mix!
Paul finally put a stop to this, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the Name of Jesus, he commanded the evil spirit to come out of her. However, this caused the slave girl’s owners to become enraged, and they dragged them to the authorities, making false charges (vs. 18-21). The authorities didn’t bother to check the truth of the matter, and instead had them flogged and put into prison (vs. 22-24). They did not investigate the charges, conduct a proper hearing, or give Paul and Silas a chance to defend themselves, which Roman law required. For them to be beaten was illegal, since they had not been convicted of any charges, and it was especially illegal since Paul was a Roman citizen.
The two were chained in a prison. Things were looking rather down and discouraging for them. With corrupt officials, what was their chance of getting released? They were in a lot of pain from the beating, and without any medical attention their wounds could become infected in the filthy prison, and fever could come. Many strong, healthy men were known to have died from the brutal floggings in that time. Do we hear Paul and Silas cursing the authorities for their unjust treatment? Do we hear them complaining to God, asking why He allowed this to happen when they were doing His work? Do we hear whining and crying?
Despite their terrible situation, Paul and Silas spent their time in the prison praising God, praying, and singing hymns! (vs. 25). They didn’t do this quietly and secretly, as all the other prisoners listened to them, including the prison guard, and thus the seeds of the Gospel were planted in their hearts. Paul and Silas did not complain or focus solely on their circumstances. Their hearts were set on the Living God. They knew He would faithfully deliver them. They knew He was worthy of praise.
Their praise of God in the worst of circumstances brought about a miracle deliverance for the pair (vs. 26). God sent an earthquake which shook loose their shackles and opened the prison doors. When we bring praise to God, we open the way for Him to work good into our situation.
Not only were the two released from prison, but something even greater happened, and that was the salvation of the jailer, along with his family (vs. 29-34). That night, rather than listening to the usual cursing and complaining, this jailer had heard prayer, praising, and hymn singing! That so impressed him that he came asking how he, too, could be saved! Because of their testimony, the jailor and his whole family were saved. The offer of salvation was not only to the jailer, but also his family. However, each member of his family had to come to saving faith in Jesus on their own, and praise the Lord, they did! I am sure that Paul and Silas felt that the salvation of several souls was well worth a beating and a night in jail!
Paul and Silas may have been in a physical prison, but they weren’t in prison in their hearts. Instead, they chose to praise God for who He is, in spite of the circumstances. God then moved in power on their behalf. Keep giving thanks! God is big enough to deliver us from our circumstances, and to do a great work through us. We never know who might be observing us in our trials, watching how we react and what we say. Our praise through our struggles might just lead someone to turn to Jesus, just as the jailor did.
No comments:
Post a Comment