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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 23, Paul is on trial for his belief in the resurrection from the dead. This is what is at stake. This is what has been causing trouble everywhere he preached and taught, and as he speaks the Jerusalem Courtroom is divided. Paul brings to the surface the underlying divisions. Some Pharisees arose and flew their flag - "We find nothing wrong with this man." - and the dispute within the Sanhedrin deepened. Paul was on the verge of being torn to pieces, as the violence increased. The Roman Commander issued orders for Paul to be rescued once again - for his own safety.
We have reflected on how Paul must have been feeling at that point, and what was going through his mind. Ten days in Jerusalem after a five-year journey - which had its own traumatic and challenging and emotional moments. It was night. It was dark. Paul was alone, down and discouraged.
Was he thinking - I must have got it all so terrible wrong? Everywhere I go in the service of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, there is trouble - distress - upset - riot. This is surely no way for a disciple of Jesus to be living and behaving. Have similar thoughts to those not gone through our minds at time?
And Jesus Christ appears to him in that Jerusalem jail - Take courage - Paul, you have spoken well for ME here. I now want you to speak the same way for ME in Rome. Jesus Christ honours His servant, while violent men were acting wickedly. Paul, you must carry this witness and testimony to Rome. Your voice will be heard in Rome. Your light will shine in Rome.
Paul was in this apparent mess because he had stood up for Jesus, and now Jesus Christ comes and stands by His man. Trust me, Paul - your witness will not be limited and restricted to Jerusalem. I will guide you. I have chosen you and I will use you in Rome.
If you stand faithfully for Jesus Christ and His Word, trust Jesus Christ to stand by you in some way if you find yourself in a similar predicament. Jesus will never never let you down nor disappoint you.
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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