get out of jail, free
“Look, there! Those men you put in jail are standing over there...teaching the people.” —Acts 5:25
The apostles, when released from prison, didn’t run away in order to save themselves from present and future danger and legal trouble. Rather, they placed their trust in God and obeyed His command to teach in the Temple (Acts 5:20-21). Many heard the Good News as a result of their obedient faith and trust.
Saints Paul and Silas were set free from prison (Acts 16:26), but they also didn’t run away to try to save themselves from present and future danger. Instead, they placed their trust in God and obeyed His command to minister the Good News of salvation to the jailer and his household (Acts 16:31ff). If Paul and Silas had run away, there would have been a dead jailer, a grieving wife and household, and unattended wounds covering their bodies. But by taking their place and teaching the Good News, there was a converted jailer, a redeemed household (Acts 16:31-34), and a new church formed in Philippi, which resulted in the New Testament letter to the Philippians. Paul and Silas knew Jesus was their Savior, so they trusted in His saving help and carried out His wishes instead of fleeing to “save themselves” (see Mk 8:35).
Where are you in danger? Is Jesus calling you to stand firm in the midst of the present danger and trust in Him as your Savior? Is He calling you to take your place and announce the Good News? (Acts 5:20)
Prayer: Jesus, may we live no longer for ourselves, but for You (2 Cor 5:15; Gal 2:20).
Promise: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life.” —Jn 3:16
Praise: Instead of being discouraged by having to repeatedly confess the same sin, Patty accepted the graces of frequent Confession and received victory over a stronghold in her life.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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