We are not that different... you and I. Even though I don't know you, I can say that for a fact. Two people in a crowd can find something in common and become best of friends if they meet on the right day, at the right time, in the right frame of mind. But bump them into each other on a hectic day, in the rain, when they're hungry, running late, and low on cash, and they might just find each other as mortal enemies. Because crowds have a way of bringing out that pushy, shovey, anamalistic way in us that can keep us from seeing connections and drive us to draw divisions. And that's where we left Paul... after rumor turned to riot yesterday. The people of Jerusalem were in an uproar, not understanding who Paul really was, nor what he preached in truth. They only focused on the fact that their strict ways of following the laws of Moses were being challenged. And almost in an encore performance of the crowds crying for Jesus to be crucified, we hear these men shouting as they beat Paul in the street seeking his death in anger. Until the Commander of the guard chained him and had him carried overhead toward the barracks. But just before entering, Paul requested to have an audience with the people. And the Commander gave him permission. Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying... Acts 21:40 NKJV (Please understand this picture, realizing that the hands Paul is waving are still chained and he standing between guards in the process of being arraested.) Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now. And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Acts 22:1-2 This the beginning of connection in the middle of a crowd... as Paul knows just how to speak their language. Then he said: I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. Acts 22:3 Paul is not just being polite by introducing himself. He is very purposely laying common ground with them. He wants to connect with them so if they see him as being one if them, they may consider his viewpoint. These are the commonalities of the people of this Jerusalem. And Paul continues as the riotous crowd has now settled. And he tells of his former life as a Pharisee and the many Christians of the Way whom he persecuted, imprisoned and pursued unto their death, even at a time when he was proud of it. Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' Acts 22:6-8 Now this is what I love about Paul. As a good communicator, after he hooked them in with all that he had in common with them, and even though he knows they have judged him wrongly with rumor, now he transitions to tell of the change. The people in this crowd had not yet given consideration to the truths of the gospel because it meant change. Change from tradition. Change from ritual. Change from comfortable. And people often resist change. But Paul knew if they could see it from his perspective... once being just like them, then maybe they would be more willing to listen and consider this truth. After all, Paul knows he was just as stubborn as they, until God stopped him in his path... suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me, a blinding light, a necessary heavenly change. He tells witness of how God opened his eyes, even through blindness. God gave him a taste of a new flavor, God gave him a view of a new vision, God gave him a chance at new life. Blindness allowed him to truly see. And Paul was hoping that his story would help change the hearts of these men as well. But as he finished telling them and was coming to the conclusion of his testimorny, he spoke of a vision and a word that God gave to him... Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’” And they. (the crowd) listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!” Acts 22:21-22 Seriously? I mean.... Seriously! He had them wrapped up in his testimony until he said the word, Gentiles. Talk about a hot button. And they said, "He is not fit to live!” This surely IS a sad bunch! I know you had hoped for a better ending than yesterday. And here, we thought Paul might escape imprisonment. Nope! Paul was taken away in chains, almost scourged, but spared when they realized he was a Roman citizen. While they didn't whip him, he was still imprisoned and made to stand trial before the High Council. But you haven't heard the best part. While he awaits travel to Rome, he has a visitor... But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” Acts 23:11 I bet no one in that crowd found the Lord standing by them in the night encouraging them, Be of good cheer... Can you imagine? The Lord, Himself. Not an angel sent, but the Lord came a stood by him to encourage. Amazing. Word of God train me today... To be a patient and faithful witness for You, even to those who struggle to see the true me. To know that You will stand beside me even when the night seems darkest.
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January 2019
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