March 11, 2023 -- Acts 24:22-23 -- The Acts of the Apostles: the encouraging witness of history
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
Acts 24:22-23 ESV
Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, by this time Paul had been in prison for twelve days. The charges against him were trumped up and unproven. Eventually he’d be there for two years. He’d speak his case before Jewish leaders, guards, the new governor and even King Agippa and his wife Bernice. With a key leader of the church in prison, it might seem as if the whole missionary enterprise is near extinction and in deep trouble. Until you read the Old Testament.
A wonderful summary Psalm, like 105, captures the story of Israel. The small family, starting with childless Abraham and Sarah, were promised to be a great nation. It looked like a promise that could never be fulfilled. Yet they had Isaac. Who had Jacob. Who became the father of the Twelve tribes of Israel. Whenever it seemed all hope was lost, the LORD guarded and preserved His people “when they were few in number, of little account” (Psalm 105:12).
Believers who know the story of the Old Testament do not despair for the survival of the Church. In each generation the LORD our God, by His powerful Spirit, preserved His people. No matter their circumstances, in plenty or in famine, in freedom or in a state of crushing persecution, the Spirit of God proves to be the deposit of God in the life of believers so that Jesus Christ is proclaimed in every generation, through-out history, today, and into all future days until Jesus Christ returns in glory.
Is your region of the Church struggling, seemingly pitiable because it is few in number and seemingly of little account? Remember the Old Testament, passages like Psalm 105:12-13. What seems weak and pitiable in the eyes of the world is yet greater than all the hosts of hell and torments of demons. For the Lord our God is with her. Therefore, in faith, praise the Lord, the Giver of Every good gift. Ask the Spirit for deeper insight into the Word. Trust God will use all circumstances so that He will receive the credit and the glory and His people will rely on Him with ever greater assurance that it is His great salvation, and not their own strength, which saves them and saves all who call on His Name.
Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name, in all parts of the universe, now and forever more. The sweep of history shows Your steadfast, unfailing love. The story of Your tender care to the rebellious nation Israel teaches the New Testament believer that Your covenant love cannot fail. You have anchored Your fame to the victory of Jesus Christ and He is seated in power at Your right hand. Glorious God, the Spirit testifies to Your unstoppable power so that the eyes of faith see not the troubles and anguish, nor the persecutions and failures of Your people, but the eyes of faith stare with wonder and a loving gaze to their Father Whose embracing arms encircle His people now and forevermore. From this place of safety and blessing, Mighty God, may Your people bless You and proclaim You until the full number of the saints are gathered in and Jesus returns. Tomorrow is Sunday, Father in heaven, by Your Spirit, stir Your people so that believers gather blessing Jesus Christ, the radiance of Your glory and the fullest proof of Your unstoppable purposes in salvation. Amen.
Psalm 150 LIVE — Keith and Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
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