According to the Will of the Lord

Daily Reading: Acts 16

But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” (Acts 16.37)

Devotional Thought: Paul and Silas had been illegally beaten and incarcerated.  The next morning, the magistrates sent police to release them from prison.  They discovered that Paul and Silas had been miraculously set free during the night but had chosen to stay.  Paul reacts with righteous anger, refusing his freedom! 

Why did Paul decline the opportunity to be free, not once but twice?  The first time was so that he could lead the jailer to faith in Christ and to protect the jailer from retribution.  (The jailer would have lost his life for allowing the prisoners to escape.)  The second time, Paul refused to leave secretly after he was publicly and illegally humiliated.  They were Roman citizens, after all!  Paul was a man of strong convictions and did not shy away from pain and even death - if he felt that there was a purpose to it.  There were times in his ministry when Paul felt it was appropriate to quietly move on.  There were other times when Paul was prompted to stay, as he did in Philippi.

It is no different for the follower of Jesus Christ today.  There are many injustices in this world in which it is wise to remain silent and fight injustice with prayer.  There are also times when we are called to speak up for justice; to raise a cry for the oppressed, the persecuted, and the abused.  We must be willing to speak up or remain silent according to the will of the Lord.

Jenny Wade

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it would be easy to claim my rights whenever I am the target of unjust punishment.  But there may be a reason for me to remain silent.  I confess that I can't reliably tell the difference.  Grant me a discerning mind and selfless spirit so that I might respond according to your will.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 77.1-9

I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me.

In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted.

When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah

You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

I consider the days of old, the years long ago.

I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart. ”Then my spirit made a diligent search:

“Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?

Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?

Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion? ”Selah