Lesson Forty Two

SINGING FOR JESUS

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Memory Verse: Acts 16:31
Further Study: Acts 15:36-41; 16:8-40; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 201, 202; 211-220; The Bible Story, vol. 10, pp. 79-80

Quite a number of years ago I had a job working for someone who was a really challenging employer. One day we were in the midst of preparing for a conference. My boss wanted a songbook with specific hymns included. It would be much easier to produce this today, but at that time it took several steps.

I had to take the hymnal to the copy machine, copy the pages, then trim the pages, paste them side by side on a piece of paper, and then copy them again so that they could be folded and stapled to look like a song book. I set to work and put the first copy together. I felt good about my work and took the first copy to be inspected. The response I got was not what I expected. Instead of praise, I was told to do it all again.

Instead of praise, I was told to do it all again.

The reason for the dissatisfaction was that in copying the hymnal there were gray shadow areas that one sees when the lid of the copy machine doesn’t close tightly. That’s to be expected because the hymnal is thick and causes the lid to be slightly open. I was dismayed and angry. I had put a lot of work into what I had produced and the task to create a page without the shadow was almost impossible.

But back to work I went. I went through the entire process again, grumbling and murmuring inside as I went. As I got to the part where I was pasting the pages on the white paper, I began to read the words. From reading the words, I found myself humming. And soon as I worked, I was singing the hymns as I put them together. I realized in singing that my anger had dissipated, my murmuring had ceased, and my heart had been cleansed.

My heart had been cleansed.

Paul and Silas had been arrested although they were innocent. They then were beaten mercilessly and placed into shackles in a dark and damp prison. They had every reason to complain, but instead they sang. While we don’t know what they sang—we can guess the praise hymns of their day—it brought peace not only to their hearts, but others there as well.

My granddaughter has taken a dislike to her changing table. Changing a diaper or getting dressed becomes a session in tears. Last night I was at her house while her mother undressed her for bed. You’d have thought there were 10,000 fingers pinching her from her howls. I began to sing and within seconds the crying stopped, her eyes opened wide, and soon she was smiling regardless of what her mother was doing.

Having a diaper changed certainly doesn’t rank high on our list of problems. Landing in jail, beaten in spite of your innocence is most likely something we will not face. But somewhere between the two is still the same answer. Singing praises to God may not remove our problems, but it does remind us of who is able to handle them. Singing may not take away the chaos, but it can bring peace. It is in praise and hymns— words of trust, love, and joy—that we will find ourselves renewed.

Digging Deeper 

The jailer’s actions as outlined in Acts 16 are important to note. An earthquake occurs and breaks open the doors of the jail. Assuming all the prisoners will escape the jailer intends to commit suicide. Paul calls out to stop him and suddenly we see a change come over the jailer.

First, he falls down before Paul and Silas, calling them “Sirs,” or “masters.” The jailer sees the earthquake as a divine occurrence. He immediately acknowledges the two as God’s messengers.

Second, with his newfound understanding of Jesus, the jailer cares for Paul and Silas. He treats them with hospitality; binds their wounds; welcomes them into his home.

Third, he and his family request baptism. It isn’t enough for him to hear the gospel; he wants to testify to his profession of faith.

Last, he rejoices. These actions are all ones we should consider for ourselves: acknowledging God in our life; treating others with hospitality; testifying of our faith; and spending each day rejoicing.

Making it Real

I would guess the way to apply this week’s lesson would be obvious—sing! Identify several hymns, praise songs, or if you have little ones, children’s songs. Sing these for worship. If you really want a challenge, sing throughout your day. Awaken you children with a song. Sing before a meal. Sing during a bath. Sing before going to sleep. If an adult, sing in the shower. Hum throughout your day. How is your day different when singing?

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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being a grandmother to two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus, and a granddaughter, who’s delighting everyone with her smiles. She is blessed to have all three living close by, continually bringing joy and delight.