PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 23:12-22
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.” (Acts 23:14)
In the name of the Lord, these men vow to murder Paul.
And the religious leaders join in by being accomplices to the ambush.
How is it that religious people can turn violence into spiritual devotion?
In the name of their God, people declare God’s hatred for sinners.
In the name of their God, people refuse to serve sinners in their businesses.
In the name of their God, people blow themselves up to kill sinners.
Compare this with Jesus, who represents God’s response to sinners.
He is willing to die to save them, not to kill them.
He refuses to fight against the sinners who resist him; rather he forgives them.
He gets on his hands and knees and washes the feet of sinners, including Judas.
These men who take the vow show they do not know the heart and mind of God.
The question is, do our actions as Jesus followers compare to Jesus’ actions?
As Jesus followers, Jesus is attached to whatever we say and do.
May our words and actions reflect the heart and mind of God, as seen in Jesus.
PRAYER
Lord, may I reflect you and your love, and not the self-interest of the world. Forgive us as religious people for doing things in your name that give you a bad reputation.
A plot to kidnap Paul when he is moved is foiled when Paul’s nephew hears about it and is brave enough to go to the commander and to share what he has overheard! God provided a way for Paul’s protection but also for the way for Paul to testify in Rome. It is the unfolding of a drama that allows the Good News to spread. And so it continues. Lord, keep your servants safe and help us see how you use the circumstances of our living in ways to spread the good news! Help us to be wise to the plots that try and undermine the sharing of your word – especially when it is cloaked in tradition and religiosity!
God’s ways are mysterious.
Even though the Jews plotted murder, God’s Spirit was at work through the commander who was willing to listen and take action. The love of God was certainly not present in those Jews who plotted to kill Paul. This was certainly against the word of the Lord, His commandments. Christ’s love did not floe through them. It needs to flow through me. I need always to be an instrument of His peace.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord
And where there is doubt true faith in You
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy