Hi
Today I celebrate life, and also my eldest sis. Today I celebrate each of you who, in your own unique way, continue to encourage me when faith and strength fail. What an amazing God! Let us never fail to be thankful.
Here’s today’s Holy Nougat™
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:25 KJV
The good Followers of the Way we’re imprisoned. Not just imprisoned, but imprisoned for their witness to Christ, their commitment to the Truth.
Under Pax Romana, that was even punishable by death, as it was virtually invalidating the god-ness of Cesar. Yet they with miracles anyway. And, for the doubting onlooker, God seemed to have honored their Faith with a jail sentence. So wrong!
It seems to me that there were three biblical concepts at play
A. Blessing God in the midst of trying circumstances (eg Psalm 103)
B. Recognising that Persecution for honoring God is to be expected (eg St Matt 5.11-12)
C. This was partial fulfillment of a promise/prophecy on Saul-Paul’s life (see Acts 9:10-16, especially 16)
Had these two been aware of those realities within their conscious state, it made sense for them to fan their Faith even in the face of possible death.
But they were NOT just encouraging themselves, were they? No, technically they were AGAIN disturbing the peace with their Praise and Thanksgiving. Paul and Silas seemed to have recognized this as an evangelistic opportunity, as they were blessed with a captive audience!
It’s important that we stay in that moment for a bit. For if we recall, they’d landed in jail BECAUSE of their obvious religious beliefs. Paul KNEW what the consequences were. He used to be Chief Executioner! Choosing to Praise while in jail, was obedience-Faith. Not necessarily
Lord-I-expect-a-miracle-come-now-Faith
and it yielded GREAT rewards. That’s Faith with works! Or Faith which works!
So one of my favorite young people reminded me recently that even in the fire, we honor God by uplifted spirits and focusing on God’s Presence, Promises and Purposes. All of which are sure!
Where are you right this moment, in the fire – let the Praises ring! in prison (perhaps for your faith) – maybe it’s time to make that Jail House Rock with the rock of all ages.
God bless you
Have an amazing week!
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
