Faith Over the Crisis In Front of Me
Scripture Passage: Acts 23:12-22 (NASB)
12 When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and put themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who formed this plot. 14 They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have put ourselves under an oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to investigate his case more thoroughly; and as for us, we are ready to kill him before he comes near the place.”
16 But the son of Paul’s sister heard about their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions to himself and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18 So he took him and led him to the commander and *said, “Paul the prisoner called me over to him and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took him by the hand, and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21 So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are in hiding to ambush him, and these men have put themselves under an oath not to eat or drink until they kill him; and now they are ready and waiting for assurance from you.” 22 Then the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.”
SUMMARY
The day after Paul attended the public meeting, about 40 Jews formed a conspiracy to kill Paul. They thought Paul was jeopardizing Jewish theology and traditions. However, Paul’s nephew finds out about their plot and shares it with Paul. Paul then asks the centurion to take his nephew to the commander, and nephew gets to inform the situation to the commander himself. The Commander instructs Paul’s nephew not to tell anyone that he was notified of these things.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
As Paul was proclaiming the name of Jesus and the truth of His saving knowledge to the gentiles and Jews alike everywhere he went, the opposition to stop him was also growing stronger and fierce. In today’s passage, it was to the extent that about 40 Jewish people were plotting to kill Paul and they even swore to each other neither to eat nor drink until Paul’s death. However, although the enemy’s accusation and scheme got more fierce, we see that God’s providence over Paul continued to protect him from the enemy's hands.
Yes, the ambush to murder Paul was meticulously planed, but God was behind the scene helping Paul by sending the nephew, centurion and commander on his way. His own people were persecuting Paul and tried to kill him, but the gentiles were used by God to guard Paul from harm.
When a crisis or trial comes in my way, I would often get frustrated thinking God is silent especially when no visible improvements happen. I can’t help it but to think that God is indifferent about my situation and I would often grow bitter, feeling overlooked. ‘Oh, I may not be as important to God,’ or ‘maybe He thinks I don’t deserve His attention.’ Thoughts like these crowd my mind even though I know it in my head that it is simply not true.
Today’s QT passage is reminding me once again that God is always working, orchestrating things behind the scenes. When Paul was helpless to defend himself against this great plot of the enemy, God sent the right people at the right time to rescue him out of the situation.
APPLICATION
So knowing this truth, what should my attitude and application be?
I need to trust His leading in all things I do. If discouragement comes in my way, I need to submit to His control over situations knowing He is orchestrating His good plans. My plans may be selfish and self seeking. His plans are the best plans, and I should patiently submit to His orchestrated plan.
PRAYER
Father, I am humbled to read Paul’s unwavering faith to carry out his calling given by you. He faced so much opposition, betrayal by his own people, rejection, beating, plot to kill him…..constant threat was always following him, but yet he did not give up on his mission to spread the gospel. Lord, I am so ashamed that I am weak. So quick to react to obstacles, discouragements, and oppositions that come in my way. Even though I know it’s a life and death matter to share the gospel to non-believers, I would retract when there’s rejection or even get lazy. How can I be so selfish? Please forgive my weakness. Father, just as you orchestrated people around to save Paul from the plot of killing him, I know that you are orchestrating behind the scenes to bring the saving knowledge of Jesus to the people I’m praying for. I may not see it, but I trust and believe you are working. My faith may not be as great as Paul….but I pray that I will continue to walk in the path that you prepare for me.
Thank you always for loving a sinner like me. In Jesus’ name I prayed. Amen.
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