“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.’ And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, ‘These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.'” Acts 16:16-21
Devotional Thought For The Day
This incident occurred in the city of Philippi, and gives us a glimpse into the state of affairs of the culture of the cities of the Roman empire during the very early years of the founding of the Christian church. First, we note that there was slavery, even of young children. There was also demonic possession and oppression, which involved the ability to “fortune-tell.” I’m not sure if this demonic oppression was worse than the oppression inflicted by this poor girl’s owners, who cared nothing for her spiritual condition, but only that they were able to obtain income through her. And we note the vicious and violent reaction to the exorcism Paul performed: “The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.” [v.22,23]
This whole incident is fascinating when viewed from God’s perspective. He “allowed” or “forced” this demon to proclaim the truth in regard to Paul and Silas, who they were, Who they served, and about their message, the gospel of Jesus Christ. The spirit was an evil spirit, so Paul saw the need to make clear the difference between the two kingdoms, that of darkness versus that of Christ – so he exorcised the evil spirit, blessing the young girl with deliverance and freedom from spiritual oppression. The exorcism was “in the name of Jesus Christ,” bearing witness to the power and love of Jesus. The reaction of the owners, the crowd, and even the magistrates demonstrates their spiritual ignorance, their hardness of heart, and their selfish and vicious nature. The charge they made was ominous, a charge that would later lead to the persecution and martyrdom of thousands of Christians over the next 250 years.
We are not far away, as Christians living in America, from a time when we also may be “advocating customs” that are not lawful for Americans to accept or practice. I’m speaking about homosexuality and gay “marriage.” I’m also speaking about opposing and telling the truth about abortion. If these issues end up gaining the status of “civil rights” issues, the church may be violating the law to continue speaking, preaching, and teaching the truth about these enslaving, oppressive, and violent behaviors. And we can be sure that there will be no shortage of people eager to press the charges against us, perhaps even with mobs and rods. But we can be sure that God is in charge, either allowing these things or pressing these things for His own purposes, so that the distinctions between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of God may be clearly and forcefully seen. And even if suffering is involved, God will watch over all things and make sure that they work for our greatest blessedness.
So we must keep our purpose and the message clearly in mind, that we know and deliver “the way of salvation,” the wondrous promises and assurances of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, atonement, and salvation provided for us in the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It must be clear that those who have received God’s grace through faith are quite different than those unbelievers who practice a “civil” self-righteousness, and that our lifestyle is quite different from the immoral, godless, and murderous practices of the culture around us. This may evoke persecution, even violent persecution and martyrdom, as it has in the past. The people in the kingdom of darkness are no less capable of this today than they were in the early days of the church. So let us clearly understand our agenda today, and steel ourselves for the risks, trusting in God’s grace and mercy and looking forward to even better things to come. After all, we too are “servants of the Most High God.” Thanks and praise be to Him!
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, You know fully and completely the future of all things, including that of Your church today. You know how things are to be ordered for our greatest blessing and benefit, even if that involves suffering and tribulation for us in this earthly life. Grant us grace to remain faithful and steadfast in bearing witness to Your love and Your free gift of salvation, and also to the distinctions between good and evil, regardless of the cost. Prepare us with backbone and strength to face all things with faith and courage, and forbid that we should ever betray You. Amen.