We read that Paul, Silas and others made their way to Philippi in Macedonia. Paul had received a vision: a man was pleading with him to come and help them. In the midst of their journey to that man, whoever he was as far as Paul knew, the troop was intercepted cunningly by a young girl possessed by a spirit of divination. This girl was indentured to men who made "much profit from her fortune-telling". Paul understood, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that this girl was, essentially, telling their fortune. One could ask, "What did she say that was wrong?" The answer would be, "Nothing". But the spirit that was behind that divination was certainly up to no-good: those spirits never are! It would be like the feeling you get when you know that someone is telling you something they know you would like to hear; and you can just tell they don't mean it!
Paul's act, in the name of Jesus Christ, angered the masters of that girl. The proceeds they would receive from that girl's divination had dried up, at least for a time. They didn't appreciate Paul's intervention. "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe." Ah, yes, thank you so much for your concern for your city. Anyway, the authorities were moved by their concern for their Roman city, beating and then jailing Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas responded with prayers and song to God.
Now, to that man who was crying for their help. In their worship of God, He showed up, through an earthquake, loosing everyone's chains. Instead of running from the prison, they stayed; not exactly the response expected from prisoners. The keeper of the prison saw the prison doors opened and, supposing the prisoners had fled, was about to do himself in. Paul stopped him, assuring him that they were all still there (in other acts by the apostles, they left the prison. But their work wasn't done here!) . The jailer asked, " What must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household." He and his family believed because Paul and Silas heard (or in this case, saw) and acted in accordance through difficulty.
How many of us have heard (in our spirit, or saw), have started in that direction, have run into difficulty along the way, and stopped or retreated. The jailer's life depended upon Paul's and Silas' obedience. Paul was a mature believer at this point. I think he knew God better than most. Stopping/retreat is a function of knowing in part. Paul and Silas would not stop/retreat in the adversity. As we continue to press toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, we will receive just what Paul received, knowing God just as we are already known (by Him); following Him wherever He goes!
No comments:
Post a Comment