I’ve read it several times before. I’ve led many songs that gives it great emphasis. Yet, I’m seeing something that speaks more to me than the emphasis that I have often expressed.
They were set free……. but they returned.
Was there a risk involved in their returning?
Let’s read together the actual story….
“After they were severely beaten, they were thrown into prison and the jailer was commanded to guard them securely. So the jailer placed them in the innermost cell of the prison and had their feet bound and chained.
Paul and Silas, undaunted, prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship. Suddenly, a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. All at once every prison door flung open and the chains of all the prisoners came loose.
Startled, the jailer awoke and saw every cell door standing open. Assuming that all the prisoners had escaped, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself when Paul shouted in the darkness, “Stop! Don’t hurt yourself. We’re all still here.” The jailer called for a light. When he saw that they were still in their cells, he rushed in and fell trembling at their feet.
Then he led Paul and Silas outside and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all your family.” Then they prophesied the word of the Lord over him and all his family. Even though the hour was late, he washed their wounds. Then he and all his family were baptized. He took Paul and Silas into his home and set them at his table and fed them. The jailer and all his family were filled with joy in their newfound faith in God.” Acts 16:23-34 TPT
Let’s place ourselves in the sandals of Paul and Silas a moment.
Knowing God responded to our outward expressions of worship by creating an earthquake to break us free from captivity is truly a miracle by any definition. Knowing how we had been abused and then choosing to not escape from our enemy when the opportunity presented itself so greatly is truly amazing.
Would you or I have done the same thing?
Perhaps not. Probably not. Mighty good chance not.
In summarizing….God intervenes and sets them free, the jailer and his family are saved, and they get a good meal.
Instead of a “the end” to an awesome Bible story, Paul and Silas did an amazing act that most humans would not ever think of doing....they went back into their jail cell before sunrise. They were confronted the next day.
Here it is…
“At daybreak, the magistrate sent officers to the prison with orders to tell the jailer, “let those men go.” The jailer informed Paul and Silas, ‘The magistrates have sent orders to release you. So you’re free to go now.”“ Acts 16:35-36 TPT
They took a risk. A risk to put someone else before themselves. They had the story of a lifetime before them. A story that has been passed down and told from generation to generation. A miraculous escape by a miraculous God. Yet, I ask myself…how powerful is the message of the risk involved to save the jailer?
They placed his life above their own….amazing.
Realize this, if they had just stayed put and the earthquake had not happened, they would have been released the next day as the scriptures indicate. A safe and happy ending after all they had been through.
But because of a risk… a risk to leave and do something for the greater good, they got to celebrate beyond the good. Souls were saved + they got their freedom.
They had their cake and got to eat it too! Truly amazing.
they got to celebrate beyond the good.
God gives me words to hold onto for particular seasons. I have shared two of those experiences in previous posts: Prepare – “The Significance of One Word” and Steady – “STEADY…Lead Me On.”
Amazing is the word God has downloaded for me to claim entering a new season. Amazing isn’t it?
I know what someone has to be thinking right now…wow, how can you think of such a word like that after all that is going on around us, much less feel confident enough to share for so many to read?
Someone might even be thinking…what if you are wrong?
Sometimes we need to be more like Paul and Silas and take a risk. God very well could be calling us to step into a new reality that might appear rocky and feel uncomfortable at first. It might involve a bit of a climb or effort vs following an easier route.
God reveals paths to His people. He directs us, but often we have doubts.
Some could say that I’m taking a risk simply by sharing my God word here on my blog. I’ve had my reputation broken and crushed a time or two. God has ways of mending and helping us gain through those experiences. I know I have.
When God is giving us a path or a word, is that not for our best?
Will we settle for what might be easier and good or step into our new reality and accept what is better and best?
The reality of it all is this…
If God gives you anything is there a risk in receiving it? Isn’t the risk in not accepting it?
How God defines and reveals amazing will be between God and myself. You see, this is the word He has given to me for Annette and myself. I believe the results are meant to be shared so that His glory will shine bright for others to see. I’m believing to have my cake and eat it too!
Is there a cake eating experience planned for you as well? Does God have a word for your next season? Paul and Silas jail experience was a miracle, but what took place afterwards was truly amazing!
To everyone who is reading this post, I’m believing that God has a specific word or message for your next season. Ask Him to reveal it to you.
God, I receive the word You have given me. I toss all risk into the wind and I audibly speak it into the atmosphere with a shout….
this year will be amazing!!
Photos by JS