The Jailer's Salvation

Acts 16:30-31

Then he brought them out and said, Sirs. what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.

What a divine appointment! God chose a time when all human hope was gone to work a miracle which would transform a man's life. Paul and Silas had been interfering with the revenue that the owners of the fortune teller was making. These men became so angry that they brought them before the magistrates. As the crowd joined in with the merchants, they all attacked Paul and Silas tearing their garments, beating them with rods, and hitting them repeatedly after which they were arrested, put in stocks, and confined to the inner most part of the prison. What chance did they have to share Jesus now? Every chance that God wanted them to have!! He sent a great earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison. When the jailer awoke, he found the doors open. Thinking his situation was hopeless, he drew his sword to take his own life. Believing the prisoners had escaped, he was surprised to hear Paul's voice. He ran to them and cried out, Sirs. what must I do to be saved? How exciting! The jailer knew immediately what he needed, and he wasted no time in getting the answer. Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and his household. After washing his wounds, he and his household were baptized. Definitely on the fast track! The jailer brought them to his house, fed them, and they all rejoiced together that he had believed in God. The next day the magistrates sent word that Paul and Silas were free to go, but Paul threw a whammy back in their faces! Since Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, he wanted the magistrates to come publicly and release them. What an effect this had on the magistrates! Fear struck their hearts. Indeed they came and released them with an apology and an escort out of the city. How miraculously God worked in this city! His sovereign divine appointments went forward without a hitch! Nothing man could do could alter God's plan and purpose either for salvation or for the preservation of a life. How would I have responded in this situation? Would I have lost all hope? Would I have been praying and singing hymns to God as I was bound in stocks? Is there an extra measure of grace for such a time as this?
Father,
Keep my eyes on You every day and all day. Help me rest in You and Your sovereign power. Give me boldness to share You in every situation of my life.
In Jesus name,
Amen