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PAUL: HIS JOURNEY TO ROME
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 18
Acts 25:10-12

Acts 19:21

 

“After I have been there,

I must also see Rome.”

 

PAUL: HIS JOURNEY TO ROME
 
Further study of the life of Paul is vital in understanding the spread of Christianity. Paul was given the opportunity to defend himself against the false accusations of the Jews in Jerusalem. Knowing their murderous intent, he wisely avoided returning there and invoked his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. In this, Paul discerned the hardness of the hearts of the Jews who were determined to destroy the church. When darkness prevails in religious circles, God can shine His light even through secular authorities. We recall how the religious leaders in Jesus’ days were resolute in crucifying the sinless Son of God, yet Pilate, the Roman governor, unwittingly declared His innocence. The Lord can open the eyes of those who are blind to see what the self-righteous refuse to acknowledge.
 
The Lord, who knows the end from the beginning, fulfilled His plan in Paul’s life, though not in an easy or convenient way. Paul endured imprisonment in Caesarea and faced a perilous journey to Rome. Human eyes could not perceive the significance of these hardships. Human minds could not grasp the divine purpose behind them. Human hearts could not appreciate the fears and fatigue Paul endured. Only the inspired record of Scripture reveals why God ordained it so.
 
O, how marvellous are the Lord’s plans for our lives! He who arranges all things never changes, even when man complains or resists. His counsel stands firm. He does not redirect His purposes because of human defiance. He does not pause when man turns back. He may send a storm to guide the path, a great fish to carry His servant, or a Nebuchadnezzar to halt false worship. His ways are perfect, and His purposes and will cannot be thwarted. Therefore, let us seek God’s justice according to His will. Though some may falsely accuse, let us ensure we remain blameless before God and man. The Lord Himself will vindicate His own. His light is pure, and His judgment is perfect. When we make Him the Judge of our lives, we can rest assured that His verdict is just and His reward is certain.
 
THOUGHT: Am I justified before the Thrice-Holy God?
PRAYER: Father, let the Holy Spirit convict me swiftly whenever I sin against Thee, that I may walk in Thy righteousness.

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