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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We move on to Acts Chapter 27 - and to what turns out to be an exciting sea story - a Mediterranean adventure – and much more than a cruise.
The two years imprisonment for Paul in Caesarea are over. Nobody has been able to prove any of the charges against him, and nobody had the necessary courage to set him free. How very strange.
At every opportunity Paul has given his testimony - as to how he met Jesus Christ - and how Jesus Christ saved him from his sins - how God called him, anointed him, and appointed him - and how God used him over these past 20 years to travel and preach and pioneer the Gospel in so many cities.
And so we read of Paul setting out from Caesarea for Rome. Jesus had appeared to him and spoken to him - giving him direction and guidance and reassurance - revealing something of his future at a time when he was at a low point. "As you have witnessed for me in Jerusalem, so you will witness for me in Rome."
The Roman Centurion in charge of Paul and the other prisoners on board is a man called Julius. He is from the Emperor's own regiment. And Julius respects Paul.
As they land at certain places on route Paul is permitted to go and visit friends, and enjoy fellowship with various disciples. This Roman Centurion realised that Paul was no ordinary prisoner. Here was a man who could be trusted totally. Here was a man who was different - a man you could trust. Here was a prisoner who could leave the ship and go and meet and pray with people, and encourage others, and return to his place of imprisonment. There are not many such men around.
Man had imprisoned him. But, as he writes later, he was not the prisoner of men, but of Jesus Christ. He was chained to Jesus. He was bound to Christ, His Saviour and Lord, and that is perfect freedom. Here is man so unlike all the others around him, and the difference was that God had changed him.
People will say that about you. He is different. She is different. It will be noticed. It might not always be said in your hearing. It may not always be appreciated. Some will appreciate it - others may not. Some may even detest such a difference. Just as Jesus Christ was different, so be prepared to be regarded as someone who is different. Remember that often overlooked aspect of the character of God. He is holy and He calls us to be holy too – different - set apart – for service in the Kingdom.
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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