Ok, let me get this straight. They beat Paul and then he and whoever he is with encourage the believers. Someone else beats or stones Paul and he encourages. Yet another beats Paul and he encourages. It’s like a fairy-tale gone terribly wrong. This isn’t the way it’s suppose to be, is it?
Or is it?
Mark Moore said, “The Holy Spirit does what it wants, when it wants, how it wants, where it wants and it doesn’t need your permission.” So when did beatings become divine?
I’m afraid. If I listen to the Spirit, if I really put my best effort into following God is this what happens?
I’m sorry. This text raises more questions for me than answers. I hope it does for you. I hope it puts in you the kind of hope I see in some men who put their earthly lives on the line day in-day out. I hope you see that the Gospel we live for is worth dying for. I hope you see that what we physically see is not what awaits us. This kingdom of God is really worth whatever it takes.
I want to do better. I want to live like Paul (though not getting a beating would be awesome!).
God, help me trust You again for the first time. Let me love you regardless of what may come my way or what cost I might pay. You have paid the ultimate price and whatever it takes to tell Your story to the lost and dying is worth it. Lord, help me today. In Jesus name, amen.
Nathan Tillotson
April 10
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I'm right there with you, Nathan. God's been dealing with a LOT of fear in my life the past year....some of it the fear of what will happen if I put it all on the line for HIM! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI also want to live like Paul, trusting in the Lord... no matter what...
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