April 22, 2015
Some of the greatest good comes from adversity. Not only do such times and experiences build character, they also can radically impact the lives of others around us. Such was the case with two men.
“When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” (Acts 16.23-24)
Paul and Silas faced a hostile crowd, and were severely treated by the local authorities. With a night to potentially nurse their wounds, and a grudge, they chose to respond far differently than would be expected: “ But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16.25). Shocking as this response was to ill-treatment, what followed next was even more shocking. A great earthquake rocked the jailhouse, opening prison doors and releasing shackles (Acts 16.26). Jailbreak by every prisoner was imminent, so the jailer determined to commit suicide rather than face the penalty for dereliction of duty. Paul restrained both jailbreak and suicide, and the penitent jailer asked the most important question anyone can ever ask: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16.30) What resulted was the late-night conversion of the man and his household. Undoubtedly, every prisoner there that night was also greater affected, although there is no written record.
A dark chapter in two men’s lives was the springboard to a great advance of the gospel. Such is often the pattern. Setbacks are mere stepping stones. Retreat and defeat are, in reality, advance and victory.
Many lament the unjust suffering that seems to often come to those who actively seek to do gospel work. Good work is no guarantee of good treatment, but good results will come; often in unexpected ways. The key is to resolutely forge ahead with good gospel work, regardless of treatment. And, knowing that the good work done in faith will bring about precisely the results that the Lord Jesus intends.
The end result of the gift of resurrection and immortality provide powerful incentive for our service: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15.58)
Keep on faithfully serving, faithful saint.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” (Acts 16.23-24)
Paul and Silas faced a hostile crowd, and were severely treated by the local authorities. With a night to potentially nurse their wounds, and a grudge, they chose to respond far differently than would be expected: “ But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16.25). Shocking as this response was to ill-treatment, what followed next was even more shocking. A great earthquake rocked the jailhouse, opening prison doors and releasing shackles (Acts 16.26). Jailbreak by every prisoner was imminent, so the jailer determined to commit suicide rather than face the penalty for dereliction of duty. Paul restrained both jailbreak and suicide, and the penitent jailer asked the most important question anyone can ever ask: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16.30) What resulted was the late-night conversion of the man and his household. Undoubtedly, every prisoner there that night was also greater affected, although there is no written record.
A dark chapter in two men’s lives was the springboard to a great advance of the gospel. Such is often the pattern. Setbacks are mere stepping stones. Retreat and defeat are, in reality, advance and victory.
Many lament the unjust suffering that seems to often come to those who actively seek to do gospel work. Good work is no guarantee of good treatment, but good results will come; often in unexpected ways. The key is to resolutely forge ahead with good gospel work, regardless of treatment. And, knowing that the good work done in faith will bring about precisely the results that the Lord Jesus intends.
The end result of the gift of resurrection and immortality provide powerful incentive for our service: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15.58)
Keep on faithfully serving, faithful saint.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:25 AM
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