"Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods." (Acts 16:22)
Phillips says, "Then, after giving them a severe beating, they threw them into prison...."
If life teaches us anything, it teaches us that no one is "special," no one is exempt from the maladies of life. Jesus, David's, "Good Shepherd," was with Him-------- "through the valley of the shadow of death." Most in modern Christendom would prefer to go around that "valley."
Paul and Silas were probably as "spiritual" as any of the modern "nothing-bad-will-happen-to- you" teachers. Well, something "bad" did happen to these First Century missionaries; they were, "beaten with rods." One source says that the, "rods," were similar to broom handles. Many times bones were broken, and always considerable bleeding accompanied the beatings, and many died. Yet we in the Western World, so unfamiliar with such suffering for Jesus, so many times read such passages in Scripture with "Sunday School" eyes and hearts, viz., it really does not sink in.
Hebrews 11 tells us of the reality of life for those who are as "righteous," as "spiritual" as anyone any people may highly regard and admire. Never for one moment make the mistake that a person for whom everything seems to go just as tele-preachers say they will, always in good health, always with plenty of money, always seem to have everything in their lives work out just the way they desire and others think is the "favor of the Lord," are any better than than those whose sojourn has been full of suffering. Every day I pray for Followers of Jesus who live in huts, with no "modern conveniences," and others who live with the threat that that very day may lead to their imprisonment or death.
Now this may be a "downer" for the make-me-feel-happy-all-the-time crowd. But for those whose hope, strength, peace, deliverance is Jesus Christ it is a deep comfort, "Yes, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You [Lord Jesus] are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." We pray; we believe. But I can tell you today that I cling more to Jesus Himself and His "God-Breathed" Words than to any theology to which I or anyone else holds. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
Father, in Jesus' Name, help my friend and me to never change our life style, looking away from any suffering and, "Looking unto Jesus." Amen.
*********************
Phillips says, "Then, after giving them a severe beating, they threw them into prison...."
If life teaches us anything, it teaches us that no one is "special," no one is exempt from the maladies of life. Jesus, David's, "Good Shepherd," was with Him-------- "through the valley of the shadow of death." Most in modern Christendom would prefer to go around that "valley."
Paul and Silas were probably as "spiritual" as any of the modern "nothing-bad-will-happen-to- you" teachers. Well, something "bad" did happen to these First Century missionaries; they were, "beaten with rods." One source says that the, "rods," were similar to broom handles. Many times bones were broken, and always considerable bleeding accompanied the beatings, and many died. Yet we in the Western World, so unfamiliar with such suffering for Jesus, so many times read such passages in Scripture with "Sunday School" eyes and hearts, viz., it really does not sink in.
Hebrews 11 tells us of the reality of life for those who are as "righteous," as "spiritual" as anyone any people may highly regard and admire. Never for one moment make the mistake that a person for whom everything seems to go just as tele-preachers say they will, always in good health, always with plenty of money, always seem to have everything in their lives work out just the way they desire and others think is the "favor of the Lord," are any better than than those whose sojourn has been full of suffering. Every day I pray for Followers of Jesus who live in huts, with no "modern conveniences," and others who live with the threat that that very day may lead to their imprisonment or death.
Now this may be a "downer" for the make-me-feel-happy-all-the-time crowd. But for those whose hope, strength, peace, deliverance is Jesus Christ it is a deep comfort, "Yes, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You [Lord Jesus] are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." We pray; we believe. But I can tell you today that I cling more to Jesus Himself and His "God-Breathed" Words than to any theology to which I or anyone else holds. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
Father, in Jesus' Name, help my friend and me to never change our life style, looking away from any suffering and, "Looking unto Jesus." Amen.
*********************
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
