Chapter 23 - The Lord Stood Near
Today’s Journey Through Acts excerpt is:
The Lord Stood Near
Emotions are still tumultuous as the scene in Jerusalem escalates for Paul. The Jewish religious leaders had encouraged the angry mob in Jerusalem to settle for nothing short of Paul's life. As the questioning continues, Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin to be examined. Understanding all too well the nature of those questioning him, Paul makes a statement that incites a serious debate between the Pharisees and Sadducees. His remark causes such a dispute between the two factions that they are sidetracked from the original intent of the questioning. Tempers rage, and once again Paul is brought into detainment for his protection.
As Paul is imprisoned, the angry religious mob continues their quest. Verses twelve and thirteen tell us that over forty men conspired together to stop at nothing short of killing Paul. Specifically, they vow not to eat until they have killed him. What they don't realize is that if they hold to that vow, they will starve to death!
This mob does not know that prior to their meeting Paul has had a meeting of his own. We are fortunate enough to be given some insight as we look at verse eleven:
"The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'"
The night before the angry cohort conspires against him, the Lord stands near Paul. Before the enemy makes his plan, God has already made His. The religious mob is operating in the emotions of the moment, but God is operating with an eternal perspective. God promises Paul that He will deliver him out of their hands in Jerusalem and position him to testify in Rome. It is no surprise that God is faithful to His Word. The same still holds true today. Before the enemy ever makes his plan of attack, God has a plan in place for you.
John 10 tells us that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. First Peter 5:8 describes him as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Be encouraged! Even in your most challenging times, Satan still has to submit to God's plan. If you are a follower of Christ, like Paul, you will have moments when the Lord stands near you and brings you through to His desired end. We cannot overstate how important it is for us as disciples to abide in Christ.
Reflect on the journey: Do you feel the attack of the enemy on your life? Be reminded that before he devised a plan against you, God had already made a plan for you. Consider Romans 8:31:
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Through your prayer time today: Acts 23 tells us that the Lord stood near Paul. Missionary to the 10/40 window, Dick Brogden, often cites what he terms "breath praying." Throughout the day, he will take a deep breath and quietly call out to the Lord: "Be near me, Jesus." Take some time today to invite the Lord to be near you.
