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Friday, May 19, 2017

FOR THE SAKE OF ONE



To what lengths will God go to bring a sinner to Himself?  In today’s reading He used the unjust beating and imprisonment of Paul and Silas and an earthquake for the sake of a jailor.    And not just any earthquake, but a “great” earthquake (vs 26).   In other words, the Creator was willing to move heaven and earth to get the attention of one man.

The jailor was going about his business of guarding prisoners.  It seems he was extra careful to secure these two men, as the chief magistrates of Philippi had commanded.  He threw them into the inner prison, fastened their feet in stocks, and thought, “These prisoners will not escape – not on my watch.”  How could he know all his efforts would be for naught in the wake of a quake? 

God had prepared the jailor for this moment.  Had he not heard Paul and Silas praying and singing?  Would he not wonder at what kind of men they were?  What did they have that he didn’t?  Then, when the earthquake hit, his life was all but over, as his punishment for allowing prisoners to escape surely would be death.  

Imagine the scene: As the hopeless jailor contemplated taking his life, he was suddenly astounded by Paul’s voice.  Filled with awe, he fell at Paul’s feet and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” As he received (by faith) the answer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved,” joyousness replaced hopelessness.  He now belonged to God.  Wondrous, extravagant joy!  He threw a party.  He rejoiced, his whole family rejoiced, Paul and Silas rejoiced. 

But they were not the only ones rejoicing.  In the parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus quoted the shepherd who went out seeking the one lost sheep, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” “…in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents… (Luke 15:6b-7a).”  For the sake of one lost sheep.

Thank You, Father, for your willingness to do whatever it takes to bring us to You – and for the party that You throw when one of us comes.  Amen.

What “Joy Stories” have you heard in modern times?  What in your own story can you share that would be reason for joy in heaven?

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