February 3, 2012

Acts 16:16-40 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 11:1-19, Psalm 25:11-22, Exodus 5-6

Journal Entry

Scripture

But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Observation

Philippi was not just another city on the itinerary for Paul and his team of gospel travelers (i.e., missionaries). The previous passage in Acts describes how they were guided in divine-fashion to the city of Philippi through direct intervention and dreams. You would think that with such a background, they would expect to have their way cleared and prepared for them. But everything that could go wrong seems to do just that. Their presumed divine appointment was with God seekers at the place of prayer and they succeed in meeting with Lydia and winning their first converts in her household. After that, it is all downhill, as one disaster after another strikes them, unabated. And it all starts with an act of ministry, of releasing a precious soul from bondage to a demon and her human handlers. An attack from a mindless mob, to torture, to jail with probably an expectation of execution on the following day. I am floored by their measured response. Just the fact that they did not spiral deeply into emotional outbursts against God and their teammates who were spared is an amazing testimony. But to be deeply engaged in worship and prayer, done openly, loudly and coherently so that other prisoners were compelled to listen, is the sort of mindset and heart direction that I can only marvel at. A well timed earthquake opens the jail and soon after the heart of the jailer himself. Would I have waited long enough to watch this treasure gate open? Most definitely, not! And it doesn't end there. Paul has enough composure and foresight to bring his tormentors to account, for unlawfully punishing Roman citizens and methodically brings public awareness and respect to the newly founded Philippian Church. "So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed." A winning attitude is one that looks beyond setbacks and does not give up. My response often to setbacks is despair. Of course, I don't dare compare myself against the apostle and the early Christians but probably the real difference lies in how closely we walk with the Victor.

Application

Everyday has its mix of successes and setbacks. In the context of ministry, throwing in the towel should not be a part of the lexicon. Living my life by myself, on my own, will lead to despair but living it with the Master will lead to victory that is less dependent on immediate outcomes. Today, I will turn my attention to sitting at His feet and listening more intently. But I want change for the long run. It's not a matter of what I will do differently today but whether I will consistently do this day after day!

Prayer

Help me Lord to live my life in a winning way.

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