We have all been taught
that if something seems too good to be true, it is. Why is that? Our
experience tells us that if someone is offering us something, there are always
strings attached. If we hear about a FREE offer, we immediately ask,
“What’s the catch?” Or “What is their hidden agenda?”
We see it in our own
actions and attitudes too, right? The social law of reciprocity, if
I scratch your back, you will scratch mine. I will be nice to you,
so you will buy from me, or so I can further my agenda.
It feels like such a
lonely desert of emptiness, doesn’t it?
I see this playing out
in today’s story. As Paul is on his way to pray in the book of Acts,
he is confronted with a fortune teller who says, “These men are servants of the
Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” He gets
annoyed with this after it happens for several days and he commands the evil
Spirit to come out of her.
The woman is
healed! Yet instead seeing her healing as a joy, her owners were
angry that their lucrative “meal ticket” has been taken away from
them. Do you ever see this attitude in yourself? When
someone else at work gets well deserved accolades, or you see someone else
enjoying a special vacation, a relationship. Is there a sting in your heart?
Paul and Silas are
imprisoned for healing this woman. They pray and sing praises as
they are confined and shackled. At midnight, a mighty earthquake
breaks open the prison cells and loosens the chains. God had rescued
Paul and Silas! Certainly, God provided this miracle to set them
free, right?
When the jailer awakes,
he tries to end his life. He knew the punishment for allowing his
prisoners to escape. He would be subjected to the punishment that each of them
deserved.
But at that moment, Paul
cries out, “Do not harm yourself! We are all still here!” Why do you
suppose Paul and Silas stayed? Why did they not escape while they
had the chance? After all, God had provided this miracle, they
should take this gift while they have the chance!!
In stark contrast to the
emptiness of self-serving agendas, Paul knew the consequences that would fall
on this jailer if they escaped. Having soaked himself in prayer and
praise all night in chains, he followed the lead of the One who had once shown
mercy on him. Paul had been unshackled by the Grace of Jesus, to live a
different kind of life.
Lord, as I look at my
own life, I often see my actions are often prompted by “what’s in it for me”
agendas. Your secret ambition was to give Yourself up for me when I
did not deserve it. Help me to bath myself in prayer and praises of
gratitude so that I too may give up my life, to live differently, seeking to
show unselfish love with no hidden agenda, as You have loved me.
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