get out of jail free
"Do not harm yourself! We are all still here." —Acts 16:28
Because Paul and Silas had received the Holy Spirit, they had the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16) and were filled with that perfect love without fear. Like their Savior, they were focused on salvation of souls and not on their own needs. Paul and Silas focused only on the will of God, so they thought instantly of the salvation of the jailer, who was about to commit suicide (Acts 16:27). The jailer accepted salvation, took Paul and Silas into his house for a few hours, and his entire household received and accepted salvation in Christ. Incredibly, Paul and Silas then returned into prison with the jailer and awaited their release from prison through legal channels. One could imagine that, upon observing the strength of Paul and Silas' character in the face of hardship, it would strengthen the jailer's belief in their words and confirm his newfound faith. That jailer could trust his life to the Lord because Paul and Silas trusted their lives so radically to Jesus for his sake.
You may be in such a difficult marriage, job, or family situation that it seems you are in jail. When your "get out of jail free card" presents itself, much like the earthquake shook off the chains of Paul and Silas, would you jump at the chance to set yourself free? Or could you stay in the that situation for the salvation of your own jailer if that was God's will?
"Receive the Holy Spirit" this Pentecost (Jn 20:22). Set many free by your Spirit-filled, fearless love.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I offer my life as Your servant. Use me as You will.
Promise: "I tell you the sober truth: it is much better for you that I go. If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you, whereas if I go, I will send Him to you." —Jn 16:7
Praise: In a seemingly hopeless marriage, Susan put hope in Jesus and continued to pour out love toward her spouse.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 28, 2018
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