Praise Behind Bars

Recently I bought a new storybook for my grandchildren. I used to read this very story to my children several decades ago. When the little ones come over to Papa and Nana’s house we climb up on our bed propping the pillows just right and commence with our story time. As I read to them, just as with my kids when they were little, God is speaking to me all the while. This particular story is so very familiar to most folks in the church yet as is often the case familiarity can make us dull of hearing. But as God’s word is alive and living, it has been speaking to me with renewed freshness and conviction.

The story is found in Acts 16 where after preaching the gospel, Paul and Silas are were thrown in jail. Keep in mind this was after they were severely beaten. On top of that, their feet were fastened in stocks designed for holding the most dangerous criminals. Paul and Silas had suffered intense humiliation and bodily affliction all because of their passion for Christ. Yet in the midst of this they prayed and sang hymns to God. Were they complaining? Were they angry at God? Were they tempted to abandon their faith? They were being faithful to great Commission (Matt 28:19-20) so why on earth did God allow this? Even that question was not found on their lips. Perhaps it was because they accepted the terms of following Christ who Himself said, “Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours (John 15:20).

The beauty here is twofold. The reaction of the disciples while behind bars, and the reverberation of the outcome. God sent an earthquake, freed the prisoners and the jailer witnesses an albeit frightening but divine intervention and gives his heart to Christ. Paul and Silas were only too happy to baptize him, go to his home and witness his whole family come to salvation in the Name of Jesus!

I have to ask myself what circumstances are upsetting me, disturbing me or causing me to get my off of Jesus?  Am I quick to throw in the towel when things don’t go my way? Am I living on good vibes and affirming emoji’s? He was a living and willing sacrifice fleshing out the will of God. Above all He owned His identity as one who came to serve and give His life as a ransom for humanity, which included persecution and rejection.

The early church did not hesitate to fully embrace the example set by their Savior. Prisons and persecution did not sway the likes of the New Testament believers. Paul and Silas praised where most would tempted to complain. God was moving right where they were and praise behind bars served an eternal and God glorifying purpose.