Posted Dec 07, 2020 |
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“The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison door open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!'” Acts 16:27-28
A little background on this story Paul and Silas, both Roman citizens were beaten and thrown into prison all because Paul cast out a demon/evil spirit from a young girl. Her boss was upset because she was his ride to richness so he had them arrested. They never received a trial and were beaten both of which were not permitted to do to Roman citizens.
Now instead of wallowing in their self-pity, complaining or feeling defeated like God had abandoned them, these men prayed and sang praise to the Lord.
When this happened a violent earthquake shook the ground freeing them and all the prisoners of their bondage, ultimately opening up the prison doors.
Are you kidding me?
So much of this account boggles the mind because in today’s culture we automatically curse and blame God for our troubles. Singing praises in such a circumstance would be the last thing we think about. When faced with a “getting out of jail free card” we would typically run with it not stay there demonstrating honesty. Wow. Paul and Silas amaze me, not to mention that because of their example all the other prisoners stayed too. We don’t know what the other prisoners crimes were but they stayed anyways.
Christians are not perfect because we are not Christ. We are held to a high standard and should strive to be just like the example He set. I can honestly say I try and fail more than I would like to admit. My daily goal is to continue to strive to be like Him. Thank you Paul and Silas for being bold enough to sing His praises, even when you were chained. Because of your dedication to bringing the gospel to light in the midst of dungeon darkness, people were saved.
Are you a user of the “get out of jail free card” or a light in the darkness?
Be the light!
