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Podcast 36.2 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let's think about this.

Our fathers chained in prisons dark

And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Acts 16:23 ESV

There are many stories in Scripture and beyond where our spiritual fathers were imprisoned for their faith. This of Paul and Silas is but one of them. Their faith was more than words. It was action as well, even when that action was painful and inconvenient. What an example!

Were still in heart and conscience free

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, Acts 16:25 ESV

They remained free even though they were in chains. Seems contradictory if not even impossible but it is true. Praying is one thing, maybe for deliverance, but singing is another. So free were they in heart and conscience they could sing hymns of praise to God. Hallelujah!

How sweet would be their children’s fate

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison Revelation 2:10a ESV

The church in Smyrna is being encouraged to remain faithful even though some of them are about to be thrown into prison. We can take these words to heart if our faith like theirs ever requires that of us. As their spiritual children we may share a similar fate. But sweet?

If they like them could die for Thee

and you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10b ESV

It would be sweet because of this promise. If we are faithful to death we will receive the crown of life. Again it may seem contradictory, life for death, but the faith of our fathers is one of an upside-down kingdom. Death is life when it comes because we are faithful.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain

Our fathers chained in prisons dark

Take the mindfulness of God's presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Prison and Death for Faith: A Sweet Fate? appeared first on Resonant 7.

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