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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 21, there are so many vital lessons for the Church of Jesus Christ. The situation in Jerusalem is now critical as Paul seeks to allay the accusations surrounding his preaching and teaching. These Jews who oppose him are so prejudiced. The riot, which arises suddenly, becomes very serious. They people got hold of Paul and dragged him out of the Temple. He had been falsely accused of polluting the House of God, but who was really polluting the House of God? It is an essential question which needs to be asked - occasionally. Who is really causing the trouble?
The critics of Jesus would criticise Him for healing on the Sabbath but it was all right for them to criticise on the Sabbath. But always remember that Jesus could see right through them. The risen living Jesus still sees through those who criticise.
In one sense, all this happened because no-one took the time to examine what was being said by Paul, to see if it was true. It is wise to check what is being said about someone, just in case you are found to be believing, and perhaps spreading, unwittingly, what is not actually true.
None of us can afford to act upon a rumour - nor base our faith and behaviour - our lives and ministries - upon what is not true or false - or only partially true. On resurrection morning Peter and John checked out what the women had reported and they found it all to be true. Take time to check things out.
The Roman soldiers hear of what is happening, and they come running to Paul's rescue. When the mob saw the soldiers, they ceased mistreating the man of God.
Paul's work is not over, and he is protected and preserved. It is like the angel telling Joseph to take Mary and the child and flee into Egypt. The prophecy of Agabus is fulfilled so accurately.
Paul is arrested for his own safety, and God uses the soldiers on this occasion to remove Paul from immediate danger.
He has not been all that long in Jerusalem - after 5 or 6 years travelling - and now this! Could the Church in Jerusalem not have done with 2 or 3 years of his teaching? His experience? His insights? His maturity? His ways of encouraging and building up others? But that is not the way it was to be. "Lord, have Your Way - Lord, Thy Will be done - Lord, into Thy Hands I commit my life, my future, my ministry - my service."
Whatever you are experiencing or going through in these present times submit your ways and ministry and life into the caring concerned Hands of our risen and living Lord Jesus Christ.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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