Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Wednesday, November 30th: Acts 21 - 23 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Acts 21-23

Acts 21:30
The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut.


Obviously the people of Jerusalem were wrong in how they treated Paul, in the passion they showed against him, they ran from all directions to get at and seize Paul.

But what if we had the same passion the people of Jerusalem had, but in an opposite way, in a way for God and His will? Would I be willing to leave my job, or what I'm doing, and run over to help someone who needs help, because I love God, and want to see His kingdom grow?

As we read further on, the people of Jerusalem had a hard time with a man like Paul coming in and teaching a "new way", they preferred to keep going with their old traditions, even though they were flawed in many ways.

Acts 23:20-21
He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. [21] Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”


God protected Paul, by using his nephew to deliver this message to the commander, who then transferred Paul safely away, and to be dealt with by the governor. Paul wasn't free and clear at this point, but was saved from the immediate danger. In a sense he lived to fight another day.

Sometimes we need help to get through a tough time, this won't mean there won't be more tough times ahead, but we need to be happy and give thanks that we were helped to get through the immediate danger in front of us. Praying and trusting in God is the only way. Trusting in people only, will lead to ruin.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Acts 24-26

1 comment:

Tammy said...

Do we have that kind of passion for God and furthering His kingdom?

Good reminder to trust God above man and to look to Him for help first. He should be our go to.