Protected by God even if it isn’t obvious at first

When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” 
Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” 
So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.” Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” (Acts 23:12–24)

I love this story. Paul was arrested. More than three dozen plotted to kill this man of God and God used a young man and a Roman military leader to stop the plot with several hundred soldiers to ensure that Paul would be safe. No doubt Paul’s sister was praying!

This week I heard an expert on brain research who used technical equipment to discover that parts of the brain rev up when a person prays and parts shut down. Peace and joy often accompany prayer and this brain activity increases when people pray in groups. It is a huge help for loneliness in the sense that people who pray also understand they are talking to God (or at least someone) and they do not feel alone.

This research also looked into the other ways that prayer changes things. Contrary to much of my experience, prayer for people unseen, far away, and personally unknown very often makes any difference to the one in need. Sometimes their situation even becomes worse. In wondering about that, I’ve thought two things; one, it is difficult to know how to pray for such a person. Most prayers are, “This is what I would want God to do if I were in that situation.” In other words, they prayer is not always based on the will of God.

Also, because God promises to use all things for good for His people, the trials we experience are for His purpose to transform us into the image of Christ. Yet rarely do most see a trial as a good thing. We tend to ask God to remove it or fix the problem rather than to glorify Jesus Christ in us. Those “fix it” prayers might be answered, but not always. God has a plan to use the trial hence does not answer that prayer.

O Father, we love these stories of deliverance and cringe when answers seem delayed or do not happen. My way is comfort and success, but Jesus rarely experienced such glories. His greatest accomplishment was initiated by a cruel death. Later, it was crowned by resurrection and salvation for sinners. Help me to trust You in both the relief of sorrows and in the pain of trials that lead to transformation. May Your will be done!

 
 

Holy Spirit Unity

When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. (Acts 21:17–26)

A commentary says Paul is making a compromise here by allowing the Jews to have their desire to follow ceremonial law and encouraging them to be content without putting their practices on Gentile believers. In our day, this would be like encouraging peace between those who worship on the sixth day with those who insist on the seventh day.

It seems to me that compromise is not the point. I’ve had conversations with those who claim to be Christians and have ideas about how to practice their ‘faith’ that are different from others. The issue is not that they worship a different day, but that they insist if others do not do the same, they cannot be saved. That is, if I am guided by the Holy Spirit and someone else is, we will agree. If not, either one or both of us are ‘doing our own thing’ and not listening to the Lord. The Spirit is not the author of contrary commands but unity.

What then was Paul doing when he told the Gentiles to refrain from certain sins? Could it be that these sins governed their old life before they were redeemed and could easily be stumbling blocks of temptation? As for the Jews, rule-keeping is not wrong, but basing salvation on it instead of faith in Jesus Christ is, just read Galatians!

At the same time, there are conflicts like faith being a gift that the Spirit does for us vs. the need for us to believe in Christ, as if we do that without help. I tend to go with what God does, for when I do, He gets the glory. When I base my redemption on my decision, then I tend to fall into boasting. Jesus explained it with this parable:

(Jesus) also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9–14)

Human pride too often confuses truth with the strength of my ego and being ‘certain’ that I know what I’m talking about. Only can God's Word and His Spirit keep my heart holding to the truth and living it.  

And, Lord Jesus, You know who is saved and who thinks they are but are not, and those who base their salvation on You, and those who say, “I did it” and pat themselves on the back. Sometimes it is easy to tell the difference, but not always. Genuine Christians can boast “I accepted Christ” or can say, “Christ drew me to Himself” but those who think they are saved by their own doing honor their way rather than Your way. Even those who truly believe can fall into the trap of self-glory and pride. Lord, have mercy. I need You to block my pride and keep my heart yielded to  You. Proof of salvation is a changed life!

 

More than those favorite verses…

And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:25–35)

Our fall session group Bible study started last night in Galatians. This NT letter is evidence that what Paul warned here had already began. People were twisting the gospel to draw the people of God after them. They told non-Jewish believers that they must be circumcised to be saved. As I’ve said, that eliminates half the population, but it also eliminates grace by adding human works as a redemption requirement.

First, this passage is Paul’s defense that he did none of that, but taught them the whole counsel of God. This stresses the importance of total Bible study, not merely picking out favorite parts but studying all of it.

He gives reasons. For instance, some spiritual leaders will be in it for money. This points to the current “prosperity” gospel which appeals to many who do not know what the Scriptures say about money or true prosperity.

Some leaders also use their followers only to meet their own needs instead of ministering to them. While we who warm the pews are to take care of our leaders, their task is not a money-making venture, but to help those in need and lead by example.

There are many examples of what not to do, yet his main role was to teach them all that God says. I’ve been in churches that had a focus, or a pet topic, or ignored the OT, or talked more about current events of philosophy rather than the “whole counsel of God” and it was easy to see the effects. 

This is not always the fault of the pastors. Every church has people who don’t listen, or dismiss truth that offends their ego, or want to do things their way instead of God's way, no matter how well they are taught. No wonder Paul admonished with tears in warning them about “wolves” who speak twisted things.

Jesus, getting into Your Word takes time, thought, and sometimes wrestling. I’m thankful for the habit, but not just the doing of it, but the results. How easily my self-centered thinking listens to whatever gives that sense of “I can do this myself” instead of obeying You. Those Holy Spirit assignments call for faith, humility, and self-sacrifice. I know You want good for me and You can use the tough stuff to draw me into that ultimate goal of being like You. May I always be willing.

What about today’s conflicts?

About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” When they heard this they were enraged. . . . the city was filled with the confusion. . . . some cried out one thing, some another. . . . the assembly was in confusion. . . .  for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”. . . . the town clerk quieted the crowd, he said. . . . “the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis. . . .  these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. . . . . For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. (Acts 19:30–41)

These days with certain leaders part of great conflicts, I’m encouraged by this passage. The Christians were threatened because the idol makers were afraid their business was in danger. This was not a battle about truth, but about money. However, it was settled by a third party who simple suggested if the idol was in control, they had nothing to worry about. 

He didn’t say “If Paul’s message is true, you better pay attention” yet that pops into my mind as I’m hearing both sides of a debate over one leader. Some say he is right and has a righteous plan, and others say he is deranged and destructive. With this story, the solution is not to riot over it, or let personal fears cause conflict. For Christians, the solution is to trust God. In this event, the believers were taken captive but they did not retaliate or even verbally respond. And how did God rescue them? He sent an unnamed town clerk who reminded the fearful idol worshipers to do things lawfully rather than be charged with rioting over something they could not justify.

In other words, the Christians were not breaking any laws. What does that tell me? Behave during these current events just as they did. Let the opposition to righteousness do whatever they are doing and let God take care of His people and take care of those who are more worried about money and their reputation, etc. than about their accountability to God. He will use whatever method needed to keep His promises to care for His people.

Lord, when I saw the topic for today, at first I didn’t see what it had to do with me, but today we are spending time with a person that thinks the idol worshippers in world leadership are going to win. My reaction was to oppose that notion, but now see that I just need to trust You. You will do whatever is right and I do not need to say anything or try to prove that these leaders are far more interested in self and power than they are in blessing others. Grant me the grace to stay silent. You are sovereign and always love and protect Your children. In this case, I don’t need to say a word. Amen. 

 

Thoughtful sharing…

So (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. (Acts 17:17–25)

This week, God used this and other NT examples to help me use the way my listeners talk and think to present further truth about His will and His ways. In this narrative, the people were open to hear new ideas and open to discuss matters of worship. Paul went from there to explain more, and eventually told them about Jesus: 

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead. (Acts 17:30–31)

This moved the philosophers from their idle chatter to realize Paul was talking about far more than they usually talked about. Their idle conversation still happens these days and sharing how Paul did is not difficult. Could it be that talking as he did would get the same reaction from contemporary groups of idle conversationalists?

Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. (Acts 17:32–34)

I note two things. First, he started with where they were, showing he understood something about their ideas. Had he jumped in without doing that, they may have responded by defending their belief system as if any form of worship was mere philosophy. One time I jumped in too quick about what I believe, and the listener responded with her beliefs, as if whatever anyone thinks is okay for them, rather than considering if it is true.

The second thing is that Paul didn’t push it or argue with the mockers. He pointed to the resurrection and let that sit in their heads. He knew that God works with ideas like seeds, which need time and the right conditions to grow. This process cannot be forced.

Yesterday I shared with someone about an incident of answered prayer. She said she had been told not to bother God with small issues, but she did pray to a ‘saint’ when she lost something. I remarked that God knows the hairs on our heads, so isn’t bothered by trivial requests. I wanted to say more, but the Spirit told me to let the truth about God sit. It is enough for her to think about, a seed for Him to water and make grow.

Jesus, don’t let my impatience mess with Your plans. People who quilt often say, “Finished is better than perfect” but when it comes to telling others about You, I could turn them off if I pushed for getting a positive response far sooner than they were ready for it. I need to trust You with the time needed, and never be pushy or insisting on a “finish” that could result in mockery or argument rather than, “I want to hear more.”

 

Gender wars?

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. (Acts 17:10–12)

I attended a quilting retreat this weekend. The others have varying skills and levels of expertise, but nearly all of them are eager to learn new techniques. In my years of leading or attending Bible studies, eager students have the most positive effect on my own desire to learn. I thank God for them.

This is likely why the Holy Spirit included them when this history of the early church was inspired and written. These men and women had a positive effect on one another. Besides, women in that culture were not usually well-educated or well-treated in a strong patriarchal society. The gospel changed that. Perhaps this change was part of the appeal, yet faith in Christ includes repentance and humility, so women who were “respected” were not using this as a way to gain that respect. They wanted to be godly as well as enjoy a new status in Christ.  

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons (children) of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:26–29)

Those early Christian women were involved in many activities even though a few passages restricted a few, perhaps because many of them where still in “bootcamp” and learning how to be children of God. These days, some denominations or individual churches maintain those restrictions and the controversy has resulted in much division.

Personally, I’m far more concerned that women learn from the passages that tell us what we can do and the attitudes that we should have as we follow Christ. Ephesians 5 and Titus 2 for instance. 

Years ago we attended a church that believed women should not teach men. One study night the pastor divided us into two groups and asked me to lead the other one. It had men in it so I protested, but he said, “I am the leader here and giving you permission to do it.” 

Our current church has six pastors. Two women lead women’s activities and counsel women. They occasionally preach. These are godly women, filled with the Spirit, and the Spirit of God is using them to increase faith and obedience. Some say they are as good or better preacher than the men.

The warnings in the NT for women usurping authority still stand in my mind, but when church authorities tell them to preach, then what? Could it be that usurping is taking a role without any right, while obedience means following the rules and orders of a rightful leader? Who tells women to go to the mission field? Or make disciples? Or work at home, or buy a vineyard?

I also wonder about the results after the first couple sinned. God told them that each would want to rule the other. How much of that sinful desire to always be the boss is mixed up in the church conflict over the roles of men and women?

Lord, I don’t know the answers. I only know that I need to listen to You and obey You without being a self-centered know-it-all. You don’t want me to sin so that means walking carefully and trusting You to lead me into righteousness, for I know my sin nature sometimes wants its old ways and I need You to both recognize when that happens and consider myself dead to it and alive in You. I also know that You are not the source of conflict and disorder, so I cannot upset others by insisting that I am always right about everything. Best that I trust You and let You resolve this issue. Amen.

Only God…

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. 
But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed. (Acts 16:25–40)

This is one of those “only God” stories. The time of the earthquake, the shaking opened prison doors, the Christian prisoners stayed put, the jailer was protected (losing prisoners was an automatic death sentence), and not only that, he was given faith and saved — a changed man.

To top it off, the people who persecuted these Christian men decided to free them. But what did Paul do? He demanded they be treated according to their law that said Roman citizens should not be treated that way. They didn’t go out as they were told.

Right now, in our country Christians can be charged for breaking a law that protects certain kinds of sin. Perhaps we should spend more time praying and singing to God? 

Lord, You are perfectly able to protect Your people from unfair or illegal treatment. Yet we should pray for Holy Spirit boldness rather than stay silent in fear of being tossed in jail or worse. I’m thinking that silence could cause me to miss opportunities to see jailers (for instance) experience Your amazing grace. If I don’t see You in action, should I be wondering why not?