Unshakable
Shaken out of a deep sleep, his feet hit the dirt floor at an all out sprint before even opening his eyes. Run! Run! But all he could do was get a few steps in before crashing to the ground. Run! …crash…. Run! The tremors of the ground moved into his heart when he saw the prison door twisting, swinging, and banging against the threshold. His vision narrowed seeing his fate in that large open iron door. Reaching for the short sword that was ever present near his chest, he drew it out hoping the violent earth would help make for a quick death.
His prison floor was permanently stained brown with years of bloodshed from men who were forced to share this hellish portion of his home. Often wondering exactly what tools were used to inflict the horrendous wounds he witnessed, the famous Roman tortures turned his stomach every time men were dragged through that heavy door. Allowing prisoners to escape, no matter for an earthquake or not, surely meant the same punishment for him.
Glinting in the black night, the slim blade in his hand would ironically save him from an ugly end.
“STOP! DON’T HARM YOURSELF! WE’RE STILL HERE!”
Stumbling back more from shock than tremors, his breath caught in his chest. He strained to see past the prison door.
“Wife! Wife! Come! Quick! Light the lantern!”
The voices of those he thought had escaped, beckoned him. “This can’t be!” he though to himself.
“WE’RE STILL HERE!”
Oh the terror and delight that ambushed his soul in that moment!
Those voices!
Those very same voices that carried beautiful music in the night breezes!
Those voices that were so at peace that he thought these two men were surely insane!
Those voices that came from bodies that were unrecognizable for the beatings they endured!
Those … voices!
He could barely move for the relief that flooded over him. In the dim light he removed their chains and kissed their cheeks!
“Why are you here? The door is wide open! Why didn’t you leave?” – the answer came crashing into his being before either of the men said a word. The songs were not from lips of the insane, but from hearts wildly in love! Suddenly it was so clear that this was about that Jesus they constantly were telling him about!
“I want this love! Tell me about your Jesus! Tell me how to be saved!”
“Oh Jesus! Almighty Prince of Peace! Thank You for the sweetness of Your love that has touched the hardest of men! Thank you God for showing him true freedom as we sit chained up in his prison! Jesus! You are SO good!”
Laughing, Paul and Silas both said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved! You and your family!”
The happiness pouring out of such tattered bodies did indeed touch this hard man and fill his heart with joy.
Acts 16:25-31
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It’s not about sitting in a pew, singing songs, and hearing great words.
It’s about hearing a small voice that tells you to stay in the midst of the world’s chains and bars so that others will be set free.
The world cannot imprison those who are free.
It’s not about reciting Bible verses and debating theology.
It’s about being sustained by the sweet presence of your Savior.
Let Jesus touch you.
This Love and Justice will leave you open handed, craving more.
Are you unshakable?
