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Thursday, February 16, 2012
Scripture: Leviticus 26-27, Acts 23
Acts 23:11 That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the good news in Rome as well.”
Observation/application
We finished Leviticus! In Acts 23…
In the past two days, Paul has been beaten by a mob in the temple, arrested by a Roman soldier, shouted down by an angry Jewish mob when he tried to give his defense, tethered to a post for a Roman flogging, jailed, and slapped in the face while on trial before the Jewish high court. A tough two days! He could use a little encouragement. So Jesus gives him some.
The Lord appears to Paul and encourages him: “You will preach the good news in Rome! You are going to Rome!” The fact that Paul is going to Rome means he won’t die in Jerusalem (or anywhere along the way to Rome, either). God isn’t finished with him; Paul has an assignment, and we are indestructible until God is finished with us, until we have accomplished God’s purposes. The knowledge that God said he was going to Rome would have given Paul confidence and peace in the turmoil that followed: months (years) in jail, a dangerous journey by land and sea to Rome, and storm and shipwreck. Through all the tedium, captivity, danger and questions, Paul had this word to hang on to. “You are going to preach the gospel in Rome.”
I would like God to speak to me and give me a promise, an assignment that would give me clear direction and confidence as I navigate into the future. Maybe God gave this to Paul because of the danger of his circumstances; maybe he needed the assurance, and maybe it would be a luxury for me. God knows what I need. But I would love to hear God’s directions for my future.
Prayer: Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. I would love to have clear direction from you for both the immediate and the long-term future. I know You will tell me what I need to hear.