Quake or no Quake

Tonight at our Bible study we read about Paul and Silas and their brief time in prison in Philippi.  It was especially appropriate because we’ve just started studying the book of Philippians during our Sunday services.

You remember what happened – if not, it’s in Acts 16.  But basically, Paul and Silas were unjustly beaten and imprisoned (without a trial).  Around midnight, an earthquake shook loose the chains and opened the doors.  The terrified jailer cried out,"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

They answered,"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

The jailer and his family turned to Christ and were baptized.

The next day, Paul and Silas were officially released.

It’s interesting to think about the letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians several years later.  Most likely the jailer and his family were among the recipients of the letter.

And guess what?  Paul was writing the letter from prison.  And the church at Philippi was praying for him.

You know what I would be thinking?  Why won’t God just send another earthquake?

It sheds new light on the first chapter of Philippians.  Paul spends a long time explaining how God is using Paul’s time in prison for His glory.

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.  And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear…

Sometimes we can see how God is using circumstances for His glory.  Sometimes we can make a good guess, at least.

But other times, it’s a mystery!

There’s no disputing the fact that there’s a lot of darkness in the community of Jesús María right now.  And we talked a bit about it again tonight.  God can glorify Himself here – but how?

There are fights, and crime, and hate.  There are families that are falling apart.  There are people who worship death itself.

There are some houses owned by people who won’t or can’t sell, and sometimes people just break into those houses and start living in them.

As you can imagine, people joining the community by breaking, entering, and stealing, are off to a bad start!

But God’s glory can shine brightly in darkness.  Peace can be apparent amid fear.  Love can be obvious in a sea of hate.

Sometimes we can’t see God’s purpose – but He has one.  All of this is in His hands.

Please pray for Jesús María – pray with confidence, in a God who can do the impossible, and who can work in the most impossible circumstances.