SCRIPTURE: Acts 25:13-27
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
This is all “behind the scenes” stuff, where God is not mentioned or visible. Like the book of Esther, where God is nowhere even mentioned, we do not see God in an obvious way. Like reading a newspaper today, where events are recorded but God is not included. And yet, as in this story, God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating and directing events towards His desired purpose. The message of Jesus must move west, and so Paul must go to Rome. Felix, Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, Caesar are all free agents, but God uses their free choices towards His purpose. Mind boggling isn’t it. Yet it is also hope-inspiring.
God is not limited by our freedom. God is not doomed by our folly. God is not thwarted by our rebellion. His Invisible Hand supercedes our visible actions. As Joseph observed, what his brothers meant for evil, God intended for good. The same could be said for these leaders mentioned here.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You that no matter what happens, all authority in heaven and on earth still belongs to You. No matter how things may appear now, Your purpose will succeed in the end. Help me to seek Your purpose, and join You in working towards it. Amen.