MONDAY November 1, 2021
What Must I Do to be Saved?
...And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Acts 16:23-24
When Paul delivered a slave girl from demon possession, unfortunately for her masters, she no longer made a profit for them by her fortune-telling. Paul and Silas were seized and dragged before the authorities who decided to take them before the magistrates. They ordered that Paul and Silas were to be beaten and thrown in jail (Acts 16:16-22).
Even in this difficult circumstance, Paul and Silas understood God was in control. He was still at work, doing His will. In any given situation, Paul sought God in prayer. He diligently sought God’s plans and purposes. Paul took advantage of any opportunity to preach the Gospel.
In Philippi, while in prison, Paul and Silas prayed together. Suddenly, at midnight, an earthquake shook and the prison doors swung wide open allowing anyone to escape. The Roman centurion on guard was responsible to watch over the prisoners. If any prisoner escaped, the centurion paid with his own life. The centurion would end his life using his very own sword! As it was night and extremely dark, the centurion assumed all the prisoners had left. Paul shouted to the centurion not to kill himself: “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here” (Romans 16:28).
Now you may think, What was God’s purpose in Paul and Silas being thrown in jail? The answer to that question is found in the centurion’s question to Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” That night the centurion and his family heard the Gospel. They came to know Jesus Christ! The Centurion washed Paul’s and Silas’ wounds and gave them something to eat. Imagine, God used an earthquake to bring an entire family to Himself. They were all saved (Acts 16:29-34).
Always remember, God has a purpose for everything that happens in your life. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. People need to be saved!
The Holy Spirit loves so to arrange men's circumstances that they are brought within the sphere of God's influence.
~Maurice A. P. Wood~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
