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LEGAL MISSIONS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Acts 16:35-40

1 Peter 2:17-20

 

“…when ye do well,
and suffer for it, ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.”

 

LEGAL MISSIONS
 
We Christians are subject to the authority of the government that rules over the place where we do missions. We are not to be law-breakers, otherwise we cannot invite these leaders to the saving knowledge of God. We must submit to the government and uphold the law and order of the place. We must be models to others. As people of God we acknowledge that the authorities in this world are appointed by the Lord Himself.
 
Legal rights: What the officials of the city did was illegal. They commanded the people to beat and imprison Paul and Silas without any fair and just trial. They needed to be taught the right thing so that their society would not be plagued with cruelty and debauchery. The magistrates realised their fault and they feared. There was no spirit of vengeance in Paul’s answer. He demanded not any persecution against those who abused them. He just wanted them to understand that they were wrong.
 
Legal responsibilities: The missionaries did not create trouble in Philippi. As responsible members of the society, they obeyed when they were told to depart from the city. They first visited the household of Lydia and they comforted them before they left. The word translated “comforted” (Acts 16:40) also means exhorted. Paul declared the Word of God which is the true source of comfort. Only the promises of God have the power to assure the hearts of men and grant peace beyond understanding.
 
Read Romans 13:1-4. To be Christ-like is to be submissive to the government. Christians are not called to cause trouble in society. Do you? Do you pray for the leaders of your country so that more opportunities for witness will be opened?
 
THOUGHT: Am I a good testimony as an upright citizen of my country?
PRAYER: Father, I praise Thee for Thy sovereign will over our government leaders.

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