Paul was again using his times of persecution to witness. Today Paul is given the opportunity to appear before the Jewish high council. There are some interesting exchanges that take place during today’s reading. Paul was able to discern that some were Pharisees and some Sadducees. There are some distinct differences in belief systems of these two Jewish groups. Paul used these to drive a wedge of sorts between the leaders present that day.
Did you find it funny it was the commander who stepped back in to rescue Paul from these leaders? Paul had created quite a stir. We remember that all of this anger and fear relates back to false stories. From what we know of Paul, he would never teach against his Jewish heritage. To the contrary, he would be looking for ways to bridge his new belief in Jesus as Lord with all he has known his whole life. A Pharisee who has seen the light. Literally.
I found it curious that Paul didn’t recognize Ananias as the high priest when he said what he said. Paul would know better because Scripture tells us to not speak evil of anyone who rules over you. (Exodus 22:28—we could all take heed of this little gem.) Why didn’t he recognize Ananias for the leader he was? Probably because he wasn’t acting like a high priest.
Are we also guilty of not acting like who we are? If we say we are Christians, would we be recognized as such? How many times have you see people on Sunday morning act one way and then see them during the week acting totally different? Behavior certainly not what we expect of a Christian believer. We need to all take a look at our own reflection in the mirror. When we see our face, do we also see the face of Jesus living inside us? What do we need to change to look more like Jesus?
Our reading today closes with a beautiful God moment. Imagine hearing Jesus’ voice encouraging you and giving you a new mission. This not only gave Paul a new focus, but it gave him hope. His life was not going to end here and now in Jerusalem, despite the cries of the people to KILL him! God wasn’t through with him yet. Jesus himself had just encouraged him. That had to be the most fantastic moment, don’t you think?
But then, Paul must have realized what he had heard. Rome. Seriously, Rome? Now that would be the big leagues where many people needed to hear about Jesus. The torch is passed to us as there are still people that have not heard about Jesus. It seems hard to fathom, but it’s true. There are those who have heard but have never really listened. We need to be on the watch for opportunities to let the Spirit use us. We need to be obedient like Paul.
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et’s pray. Father God, I thank you for the reminder today to look like a follower. I don’t want to be misunderstood or seen as a non-believer. I want my life to reflect you in such a way that I create a curiosity in others to know what it is that I have that is making me so happy, so at peace, so in control. All of that is from you, God, and I thank you for how you work through me. Forgive me when I try to take back control and my trust wavers. I know you are my rock, and I am standing strong with you by my side today. I’m ready, God. Let’s do this together! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
