Wednesday / Thursday

Yesterday's reading and today's reading of Acts are very special for the sake of rejoicing.  Paul and Silas end up in prison because Paul had called out a spirit to come out of her.  Now, if you recall the note about the author of Acts, using inclusive/exclusive language, it the Scriptures say the girl was exclaiming what Paul and his followers were up to, and it said she was following "us" (inclusive) and that this happened "for many days."  So while Paul, Silas, the supposed author, Luke, (and maybe even others), were going around telling people about Jesus, she has repeatedly stated "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." (Acts 16:17).  Now, friends, I do believe that there are some ways to do ministry/evangelization - and there are ways to not do ministry.  We don't know just how this girl was going about doing this, all we know is Paul put up with it for "many days" and then decided enough was enough.

In reality, I see this as a release.  The girl is released from the spirit, and then her "owners" (verse 16) cannot use her to make money.  My first instinct then was to think about how working in a non-profit organization (Not For Sale) is fighting to set people free.  As the men in the Acts story became angered that their business was now interrupted due to the work of two followers of Christ, so too will there be anger and other repercussions for their work to come to a complete halt.  "Owning people" is a crime - it is wrong.  It is wrong to take advantage of people.  And when Paul and Silas challenge this, their lives are immediately endangered.

Therefore, while there is rejoicing for the girl to be freed, persecution does not end.  Which is how Paul and Silas become imprisoned in today's reading.  Yet even in shackles, they "sing hymns to God."  (It is my guess that they were singing in Greek, because Paul is in the midst of a missionary journey and he is located outside of Judea).  Then, when this mighty earthquake happens, and those in prison are released from their chains, the jailer bids them to show him a means of salvation, which he finds in Christ and he and his family are rejoicing (verse 34).

The Spirit of God has the power to break chains.  It has the power to set people free.  It has the power to move hearts, fight our fears, and give us peace and joy!  I pray you all take hold of this Spirit and let it grow in your hearts by faith!