Staying Steadfast in Faith, Trusting in God's Plan
Scripture Passage: Acts 24:1-9 (NASB)
1 Now after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges against Paul to the governor. 2 After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began accusing him, saying to the governor,
“Since we have attained great peace through you, and since reforms are being carried out for this nation by your foresight, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 But, that I may not weary you further, I beg you to grant us a brief hearing, by your kindness. 5 For we have found this man a public menace and one who stirs up dissensions among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 And he even tried to desecrate the temple, so indeed we arrested him. 8 By interrogating him yourself concerning all these matters, you will be able to ascertain the things of which we are accusing him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.
SUMMARY
The high priest Ananias brought charges against Paul to the governor Felix. Tertullus, the attorney, credits great peace to the governor and appeals to him. Then he accuses Paul of disturbing that peace as a public menace amongst the Jews and even as someone who tried to desecrate the temple. They have such confidence in these accusations that they tell Felix that he can affirm these things by interrogating Paul himself. The Jews bring fuel to the fire by fiercely asserting these accusations.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
To call Paul a "public menace" for challenging the Jews and spreading the gospel shows just how much the Jews were against Paul. They try so hard to bring Paul down because they despise the gospel, and don't want to give up their way of life to follow Christ. It was enough to cause such a disturbance that they desperately wanted him dead. The gospel is such a powerful thing that the enemy tries so hard to shut it down. Yet in this case, I see no hopelessness in Paul. He is so steadfast and focused on fulfilling God's plan for him to testify in Rome. He not only accepts God's plan but does his best to help accomplish it in the most honest way.
APPLICATION
These days, I've been processing what God's plan is for me. During a time when things are so up in the air, I've been scrambling to find stability and have a plan for myself. My dreams for this year were to get engaged, get my finances in order, get married, move out, and start a new chapter in my life. But every door I knocked on seemed to respond in opposition or silence. Feeling discouraged, I just "let go" to God and told Him to figure it out for me as I sat in disappointment. But reading this week's passages, I see Paul faithfully doing his part despite constant, painful opposition. Even when crowds of people accused him and called him names, he knew who he was in Christ and remained cheerful and continued in his work for God. It made me realize that when it comes to God's plans for me, I sit idly by and sulk as I let Him do what He wants. Instead, I want to be aligned with God and help Him accomplish what He wants to do in my life.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, my wonderful Lord and Savior, I repent of constantly pushing my plans on you rather than faithfully doing my part in what you desire in me. I repent of any immaturity and selfishness I have been expressing towards you. Lord, I pray that my heart and my desires will align with yours. I pray that I will go after your heart rather than be so fixed on my own. I pray for a steadfastness that doesn't reduce when faced with opposition. I pray that my hope and joy will be in you so that I can weather through any storm. Thank you for being so kind and so patient with me. May I not be like the Jews who were so against your will but be like Paul who gave up everything to achieve your will. Thank you so much for being a mighty father who is with me wherever I am in life. I love you and pray all these things in Jesus' name. Amen
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