I remember a man walked into church one day wearing gray sweatpants and a t-shirt. He looked to be in his early sixties and appeared in poor health. Some time later I found out that prior to this health problem, he had been a good athlete, special forces soldier, an executive at a local business, and very successful by the world standards. As he lived for the world, he focused on himself and his career. His family came second and after a time, he divorced his wife for another woman. Prior to his health issue, his second wife died suddenly. Then due to his declining health he could no longer work. Life was falling apart. Although he grew up in the church, he left that behind in grade school.
He wondered if God would rescue a man with such baggage. He had caused others so much pain. Would God really save him as He says in His word? The Lord Jesus did rescue him and slowly began to transform his life. His neglected family now became important. He began to see everyone around him in a different way. Over the next year his health continued to decline, but his faith life continued to grow. God, in His mercy, had given him a chance to confess his sins, a chance to rebuild relationships, and a chance to tell people how sorry he was. Also, the Lord gave him an opportunity to share the message of Jesus with others. In God grace, He took him to heaven one day.
In our text today, there is a story of a pagan jailer. Paul and Barnabas were thrown into his jail because of their witness of Jesus. Instead of complaining about their condition they were praying and praising God. Not only were the other prisoners listening, but this jailer was also listening.
26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. [1] Acts 16:26-34.
The jailer was converted along with his entire family. Faith in Jesus changed his actions and direction in life. The God of intervention saved him and his entire family.
What about you? Where is the Lord Jesus working in your life? If you would let the Lord make one major change in your life what would it be? As we think of changes we would like to make we may feel overwhelmed and want to give up. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13 we are not alone in making godly changes. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.[2] Praise the Lord He helps us make the changes He places on our heart.
God doesn’t just come to people in Bible times, He comes to us today. Listen to the story of Doug Brock and how God intervened in his life. https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-guests/journey-with-doug-brock
[1, 2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 16:26–34, Php 4:13). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.