He Will Protect Me and So I Must Be Ready
Scripture Passage: Acts 25:13-22 (NASB)
13 Now when several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea, paying their respects to Festus. 14 And while they were spending many days there, Festus presented Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix; 15 and when I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I replied to them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any person before the accused meets his accusers face to face, and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. 17 So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered that the man be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they did not begin bringing any charges against him of crimes that I suspected, 19 but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 And being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these matters. 21 But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered that he be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he *said, “you shall hear him.”
SUMMARY
The Jews continue to persecute Paul. They accuse him for proclaiming the truth that they did not want to believe or accept - which was Jesus' death and resurrection, and that Jesus was the true Messiah. Paul being a Roman citizen by birth and the fact that his charges were religious charges, makes it difficult to charge him of a definite crime. Paul demands to Festus that his case be heard and tried by the Roman Emperor. However, Festus is not certain whether he has a strong case to present and ask King Agrippa and his sister Bernice for advice.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
God works in mysterious ways. Paul's sudden conversion from being one of the harshest persecutors of Jesus' followers to the apostle who proclaims the Gospel all around the world throughout his entire life is an amazing transformation. Moreover, God uses Paul's background as his biggest armor of protection as he spread the Gospel through vast journeys. Being born as a Roman citizen was probably the biggest worldly privilege Paul had. Religious and unclear accusations against Paul by the Jews made it difficult to be tried for a crime especially by the high officials. Not only did the high officials need to bring clear evidence of Paul's accusation, they had to present it up to the Roman Emperor. With all the controversy, even the advisors were interested to hear Paul's message.
APPLICATION
Praying for blessings is a normal request to God that myself and most Christians ask for. What kind of blessings do we ask for? When and what should they be used for? God wants to bless His people with so many great things. But do I necessarily seek for his kingdom in these requests and ask to be used for Him only? Or do I seek worldly things for a comfortable life? This passage tells me God will use what I already have to protect me and for me to be close to Him. I need to always be ready to be used for Him.
PRAYER
Dear God, please remove the fear and worry that I have. Remove the thoughts that I am never ready to serve you whole heartedly because of my passivity and my dependencies in worldly things and desires. I pray that I would only focus on you, and you would lead me in your path with protection. Thank you, and I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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