February 15, 2012 (Leviticus 25; Psalm 25-26; Acts 22)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer standing there, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?” Acts 22:25 NLT
Observation: At this point things are not going to well for Paul. A riot has broken out and the mob is ready to kill Paul right there in the middle of the street. Earlier in Acts 21:13 Paul was ready to not only be bound for Christ in Jerusalem, but he was ready to die there. But here we find Paul not so eager or zealous about death. Paul went from ready to die for Christ, to doing all he could to save his life for Christ. God used Paul’s Roman citizenship to save his life at this moment. Maybe if he had been sensitive to the warning of the Holy Spirit this suffering could have been avoided.
Application: Paul is a great example for each of us in many ways. His zeal to serve God is hard to match and his determination is at times unbelievable. He was determined to preach to the Jews in Jerusalem whatever happened, until whatever happened was staring him in the face. His readiness to not only be bound for Christ sake, but to die for the sake of Christ, didn’t include being beaten and tortured. Paul had a quicker type death envisioned I think. Our zeal and eagerness to do something good can cause us to get ahead of God if we’re not careful. God is not bound by our decisions, right or wrong, and He can use any situation and circumstance and still accomplish His will. Maybe, just maybe, if Paul could do it all again, he would heed the warning of the Holy Spirit and take a less tumultuous path to Rome.
Prayer: Dear Lord thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily. Help me Lord, listen to Your Holy Spirit and heed His warnings. I desire the zeal and the determination of Paul but I request the temperance of Christ along with it. Help me Lord, be willing to suffer when it’s Your will, but be wise enough to avoid it if it’s an unnecessary detour to the destination You’re already taking me anyway. In Jesus name, Amen!