PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 23:6-11
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” (Acts 23:6)
Is Paul being shrewd, dividing his opponents with the resurrection topic?
It certainly did have that result, but it also reflected Paul’s faith.
Paul knew how important Jesus’s resurrection was (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).
As a Jesus follower, everything for me hinges on Jesus’s death and resurrection too.
His crucifixion shows me the path of humble grace and self-denial – the Jesus Way.
His resurrection shows me how God vindicates those who choose this path.
As we serve (die to self), we are assured of ultimate victory (eternal life).
The world may resist our loving service, but it cannot stop or defeat us.
Even if we are forced to testify in ‘Rome’ (23:11), we will still overcome!
Even if we die on that path, death cannot hold or stop us.
We believe, we love, we serve… because Jesus died and rose again.
Our trial in this life is because we have – and live – this hope!
Have you committed to living WITH, LIKE and FOR the resurrected Jesus?
You can be assured your faith and labour are not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
PRAYER
Lord, my faith in your death and resurrection – and living WITH, LIKE and FOR you on this path – is on trial every day. Help me to be strong, knowing my faith and labour are not in vain!
“Take courage! As you have testified about me” Sometimes it is hard to stand up and be courageous about being a believer. Paul knew his audience and knew they were divided about the resurrection of the dead. Working with Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists it is good to know where the ‘common’ ground is and especially where there are great differences. Even so, it still takes discernment in order to maintain the ability to have a conversation about faith. It is still the HS’s work to work the questions and considerations in the minds of those listening. We however, need to take courage and follow the leading of the HS. Lord guide me I pray and grant me opportunities to testify to the hope I have in you!
At all times I need to serve my living God.
At all times I need to stand up for Jesus.
At all times the Lord God is with me encouraging me along the way giving me the strength and power so that others may see that I am His and He in mine.
All this is possible through His promise that He will be with me today and all my tomorrows, in this life and the next for He has paved the way for me and for all who believe.
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.
2
Oh, let me feel Thee near me;
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.