Welcome!
Passage: Acts 16:9-40 (NIV 84)
Today: Life without light!
. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16, NIV 84) emphasis added
After getting a big storm, and having no electric power for days, people know the value of light. Life without light is horrible!
The jailer mentioned in Acts 16 was asking for lights, as soon as the earthquake happened and the chains broke. Light brings hope!
God is associated with light, and the devil with darkness. People who do evil hate light. When we use a flashlight/torch, we need light right at our feet and also little ahead, to see what is there. We need God’s light on our present and future!
There are millions waiting for the light of the gospel, saying “we are all here”, (waiting for someone to bring the light to them)
Below, we see how the gentiles were waiting for someone with the “light”
33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. (Acts 10, NIV 84) –emphasis added
Peter was a man of prayer. He was very busy with ministry. But at the same time, he had some pride about his tradition and culture, and some prejudice against others, especially gentiles. God wanted to break that
Many gifted people are happy with what they are doing within the body of Christ; God expects them to take it to those in darkness outside the church as well!
So God forced this man of prayer out, to get the gospel to the very group he didn’t like much. When Peter finally said “yes”, a big door was open!
Do you think you are not getting the kind of reception for gospel where you are right now? May be God wants to redirect your focus elsewhere!
Peter took the light of the gospel to hearts darkened by the devil and the world. We can do lots of things and charity in the world, which is needed. But more importantly, many need to come out of spiritual bondage. When church (in some places) forget this and say, “all we need is charity”, we deprive the people light; we need both, not just charity of just gospel. The balance is critical!
Make sure we get all the spiritual stuff when the doors are open. All over the world, the doors are closing one way or other. Now is the time!
Have a blessed day!
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being the light and life to me. Help me to spread your light through my life and actions so that those living in darkness can have the light. Show me light to those places that need them the most; Amen
Life without light is horrible!