But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.
For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.
We do not readily believe that it is better for us that he goes. But because he does a relationship with him is no longer restricted by the limitations of time and place. We are not left with a mere memory. The very works that Jesus does and ones even greater than these are done by those filled with his Spirit (cf. John 14:12). Jesus is, if anything, more present with his people than ever. This is the presence that can break down barriers to the freedom he intends for us.
About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened,
there was suddenly such a severe earthquake
that the foundations of the jail shook;
all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose.
And even more impressively this is the presence that inspires the trust necessary to stay in a situation from which we've been freed for the sake of our fellow prisoners just as Paul and Silas do.
“Do no harm to yourself; we are all here.”
Even in prison the Spirit keeps them connected to the life of heaven and thereby transforms what is an otherwise difficult circumstance.
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
They must be listening to the LORD very carefully. Deliverance from their chains comes, is obviously supernatural, and yet they are remain in the prison, knowing that the LORD has more for them to do in this place. The natural thing to do is probably to run without thought for the jailers. We probably think we are just respecting the favor God shows us by immediately responding to it. But he does not open these doors just for us! We are not necessarily called to run from the world to our Christian ghettos. We are called to be in the world be not of it. It is our trust which empowers us to do this. We know that God who started this good work in us will bring it to completion (cf. Phi 1:6).
Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
And this trust can make a big impression on those that see it.
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Our answer needn't be complex theology.
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus
and you and your household will be saved.”
He is looking for people to be his adopted children more so than scholars and theologians. The LORD will not allow anything to stand in the way of his promise. Nothing, that is, except our free will. But when the Spirit is with us we won't find anything too difficult for his power.
Because of your kindness and your truth,
you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
Here is a good song about singing his praises in the presence of the angels in heaven.
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