Why, Why, Why?

‭Acts 16:37-38 [37] But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.” [38] And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.

     Have you ever asked yourself, "Why did this happen?" "Why did this happen to me, or my family member or friend?" "Why did God allow this?" I'm sure many of us have asked one or all of these questions at some point in our lives. The verses above contain what may seem like an insignificant detail. Yet, it is a most important detail. That detail is the fact that the Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen, even though he was a Jew. I recently heard a message that told an interesting story about that detail. You see, back in those days, it was not a common thing for a Jew to have Roman citizenship. However, God, in His sovereignty, many years before Paul was born, allowed Paul's great great grandparents to be forcibly moved from Jerusalem to Tarsus, and given citizenship status in that place. I'm sure his great great grandparents questioned why God would allow that to happen to them. "God, why?" During the time that Paul's parents lived in Tarsus, there was a rebellion against Caesar, led by Brutus and Cassius. Tarsus became their headquarters. Upon their defeat, Rome honored the citizens of Tarsus, for their continued loyalty, by making them Roman citizen. Hence, the Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen by birth. The unfair jailing and public punishment Paul & Silas suffered, in Philippi, put them in a position where Paul could bring charges against those magistrates that sentenced them. So even though the magistrates begged them to leave, they could return at any time and seek legal charges. By the way, this incident also put the magistrates in check, should they decide to persecute the local church Paul established while in Philippi. Why does this matter today? Well, it answers the question, "Why?" You see, the truth of the matter is that God may allow things in our lives that we may not understand. However, we see what happened to Paul, and how God used what He allowed to happen to his great great grandparents, so long ago, to benefit the church at Philippi; keeping them from possibly being persecuted. My friends, everything that happens to us in this life has a purpose. Nothing is ever wasted, and the fact is that what happens to us today, may end up being for the future good of our family, friends, or even a coworker. We simply have to trust that it's all under God's sovereign control.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on the Name of Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation (Romans 10:13).