S)"25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;"
Acts 16:25 (NASB)
O) There are a few layers to this verse, where everything hinges. First, in the middle of their unjustified imprisonment, Paul and Silas choose to worship instead of protest. Worship is difficult in circumstances much less trying, and here they are beat up and chained, and they're worshiping. Second, all the prisoners were listening, but I'm sure (at this point) not all all the prisoners are Christians. Granted, they didn't have much choice (where else could they go?), but some, at least, were choosing to listen in, rather than zoning it out. As a result of their worship, Paul and Silas are freed. As a result of their worship, and the prisoners being in proximity, the other prisoners are also freed (v.26). Then, this third thing happens... after Paul and Silas and the others are unbound, the jailor is ready to commit - whatever the Roman version of a samurai's sepaku is (v.27) - when he is stopped by Paul because no one has escaped (v.28). Now, here's the $64,000 question: Why didn't the other prisoners leave? I mean, we can all reason fairly well why Paul and Silas might've stuck around, but what about these other convicts and low-lifes? What motivation would they have to listen to Paul's instructions to stay, when they've been given a free opening to make a break for it? Mulling this over, I can only come to one reason: because they were listening to the prayers and hymns of Paul and Silas. See, because they had witnessed Paul and Silas worshiping God, despite their circumstance, they were also able to see this was a deliverence from the LORD. In the face of such a display of the LORD's power, and given the evangelic nature Paul had, I have no doubt every one of those prisoners was then converted, even though the Bible doesn't specify. Had Paul and Silas prayed and worshiped silently, or even in muted voices, so as to not disturb anyone, then when the earthquake strikes, would the other prisoners even consider that the LORD had done it? It wasn't just the integrity and faithfulness that set Paul and Silas free, also saving the jailor and the prisoners, it was their boldness with their worship.
A) I feel like I'm humble enough to worship in tough circumstances. I'm also humble enough to realize I haven't seen any of the toughest circumstances. One area where I still have room for improvement is in my PDW (Public Display of Worship). I have seen many miracles in my life and upon my family, and those can serve as effective evidence to the power of God and the redemption of Jesus Christ. But, the circumstances and changes in my life become even more powerful witnesses to the LORD when others are able to see them as a direct result of my acts of worship. It's an extension of glorifying God, to praise Him before the miracle. Then when it comes, there is little room for doubt.
P) Father, increase my boldness! Let me worship You, absolutely unhindered. Holy Spirit, move upon me in my times of worship, especially in my public displays of worship. Let me be bold, not just when I'm around other believers, but also when I feel imprisoned by those who do not yet know the truth of Your saving grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
P) Father, increase my boldness! Let me worship You, absolutely unhindered. Holy Spirit, move upon me in my times of worship, especially in my public displays of worship. Let me be bold, not just when I'm around other believers, but also when I feel imprisoned by those who do not yet know the truth of Your saving grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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