PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 16:16-24
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“These men are servants of the Most High God, telling you the way to be saved.” (Acts 16:17)
Why would this spirit of prediction speak the truth like this?
Jesus had the same experience, where demons declared who he was (Mark 1:24).
It is not because spirits cannot lie, lying is their native language (John 8:44).
My suspicion is that the spirits know how they can cause trouble.
In this case, by provoking Paul enough, he finally silences the spirit.
And provokes the owners, and the mob, into an uproar.
In my experience, Satan and his spirits do whatever they must to cause trouble.
“Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)
The enemy wants to provoke me towards fear, anger, jealousy or despair.
To get me to react out of emotion, and make things worse by my response.
He has used people I love, people I trust, to somehow get me to react.
He is a schemer, which means we must daily put on the full armour of God…
“So that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11)
PRAYER
Lord, today again the enemy will try to cause trouble for me. Help me to stay aware and on guard, so, especially when I feel my emotions rising.
Mob frenzy. I’ve seen the effect – it has no reason – it is pure raw emotion and frenzy. These slave owners knew what they were doing to stir up some ‘excitement’ that many were happy to participate in. If they had heard the message that the slave girl said – they would have cause to pause and reflect – but no, the crowd was caught up in the excitement at Paul and Silas threat of life. Yet God provides safety for his servants – even if it is a jail cell. The emotional frenzy of a mob often leads to bloodshed and mutilation of people – and the more ugly the more it seems to feed itself. I thank God for sparing me – it is easy to be accused of something when you are an outsider! Lord keep me on the inside of your care!
The enemy from within. Even though the words spoken show the truth, they use the truth for their own selfish gain. I daily need to see as Jesus sees and speak the words He would use to be an instrument of His peace. His Spirit to protect and guide me in my daily affairs showing me the way to go. Living for Jesus. His will, not mine, be done. Jesus Saviour pilot me.
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee.
Saviour, pilot me.
Though the sea be smooth and bright
Sparkling with the stars of night
And my ship’s path be ablaze
With the light of halcyon days
Still I know my need of Thee;
Savior, pilot me