This Is Something So Good To Know At Such An Hour
Do you ever feel you need this type of support? I don’t know if this man felt he needed it but Someone did and produced the goods! The situation must have been extremely serious to demand such powerful help.
Turn in your Bible to Acts Chapter 23, and there discover what I mean. It is personal, pertinent and powerful.
Paul is on trial in Jerusalem for his belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is what is at stake. This is what has been causing trouble everywhere he preached and taught, and as he speaks the Jerusalem Courtroom is divided. Paul brings to the surface the underlying divisions. Some Pharisees arose and flew their flag - “We find nothing wrong with this man.” - and the dispute within the Sanhedrin deepened.
Paul was on the verge of being torn to pieces, as the violence increased. The Roman Commander issued orders for Paul to be rescued once again - for his own safety.
We have reflected on how Paul must have been feeling at that point, and what was going through his mind. Ten days in Jerusalem after a five-year journey, which had its own traumatic and challenging and emotional moments.
It was night. It was dark. Paul was alone, down and discouraged.
Was he thinking - I must have got it all so terrible wrong? Everywhere I go in the service of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, there is trouble - distress - upset - riot. This is surely no way for a disciple of Jesus to be living and behaving. Have similar thoughts to those not gone through our minds at time?
And Jesus Christ appears to him in that Jerusalem jail - Take courage - Paul, you have spoken well for ME here. I now want you to speak the same way for ME in Rome. Jesus Christ honours His servant, while violent men were acting wickedly.
Paul, you must carry this witness and testimony to Rome. Your voice will be heard in Rome. Your light will shine in Rome.
Paul was in this apparent mess because he had stood up for Jesus, and now Jesus Christ comes and stands by His man. Trust Me, Paul. Your witness will not be limited and restricted to Jerusalem. I will guide you. I have chosen you and I will use you in Rome.
If you stand faithfully for Jesus Christ and His Word, trust Jesus Christ to stand by you in some way if you find yourself in a similar predicament. Jesus will never never let you down nor disappoint you.
Jesus appears and stands by His Chosen Servant. Yes, it was a desperate situation. But Paul served a reliable and faithful and concerned Lord Jesus Christ Who will never desert His servants.
It is good to know that at such an hour.
Sandy Shaw
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children’s Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled “Word from Scotland” on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.
His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.
Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com
Tags: Bible, inspiration, leadership, motivation, Philosophy, Psychology, spiritual, truth
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