Act 21-26Did you notice that this is Day 20? That means that we are now officially halfway through Lent, and through the New Testament! It doesn't feel that way, since we aren't even finished with the 5th book, but remember that some of the later ones only have 1 chapter!
This might be a good time to reflect just a bit on what the experience has been like for you. What have you learned--about the scriptures; about Jesus; about yourself? I continue to be amazed by things that I didn't know, almost as much as new revelations about things that I thought I knew. Explains why people have been reading and wrestling with this text for nearly 2,000 years!
Today we continue with Paul's travelogue! I actually listened to this section in the Atlanta airport VERY early this morning, after flying in from Los Angeles on the Red Eye Express! I wondered if Paul was ever this exhausted? But at least I knew where the cities I have visited were on a map. I kept thinking, "Where in the world is Paul?" (There should be a Bible video game in there somewhere. If you create it, the idea was mine! I want a share of the royalties!)
As normal, Paul continued to be in trouble. What was it about this guy that just got people all bothered? But then I guess I shouldn't be surprised as he still does it today! In this case the Jews were all happy with him as he gave his testimony (maybe we should bring that back in church today! Want to volunteer for tomorrow?) They were happy until he mentioned the word "gentile." At that point they went ballistic and wanted to kill him.
What are the words that we dare not say at church from fear of upsetting the status quo? What word would set us off? I have to keep remembering that today I am the establishment! I am the one who is trying to kill Paul. It isn't fair to put myself on his side, while maybe the Paul's of our day just set me off!
Paul did show that he was a shrewd debater. He found a way to turn his opponents against each other, and was actually rescued by his enemies. I wonder how often we allow our enemies to save us. How often do we try to save our enemies?
Time and time again Paul is in trouble, even to the point that a bunch swore that they would not eat until Paul was killed. Because of that, Paul ends up in a jail for 2 years, again, "protected" by the Romans. But, what happened to that oath? What happened to those men who swore they would not eat until Paul was dead? Did they break their vow, a very serious thing in that day? Or did they not live to see Paul hauled off to Rome.
Oops, did I let some tidbit out from Monday?
Well, tune in again tomorrow, or Monday for another stirring episode of "You've Got the Time!" As always, we would love for you to join the conversation! What have you experienced as we reach halftime?
Remember to turn your clocks back an hour tonight! Or you may be way off for worship!
1 comment:
Don, glad to hear you are making your way home OK - like Stacy, I'm very impressed you've been able to keep up the listening and blogging while traveling across the country and back. I hope you are able to get some much-needed rest before leading worship tomorrow.
Here again, I found something to admire from Paul - I too thought his approach to evading trouble was clever. And I like the way he considers himself a Jew, a Christian and a Roman citizen. He really was a very well-educated, well-traveled guy; and he uses that knowledge and experience to relate to people, persuading them to consider the other side of issues. Wonder what he would say if he were here today to lead us through some of our modern-day issues? Thank the Lord there are some who are willing to work toward making a difference. May they feel God's strength when they weary!
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