Mustard Seed Effect
Note from Jesus Dear Child of the King of Glory, The kingdom of heaven is powerful. You are a part of that kingdom. You are a child of the King. Great power is at work in you. Not sure about this? Don’t really believe this? Remember My parable about the mustard seed? You can find it in the verses below along with Doctor Luke’s ending to the book of Acts. I have put these together for you because I want you to realize something amazing: My mustard seed parable proved true! You are an example of just how far this mustard seed effect has spread both geographically and through time. As we read from the book of Acts in the coming days — after I have shared several key passages reminding you of the power at work in you — you will see the mustard seed effect produced through the power of the Holy Spirit! What began as a small movement in the backwaters of Galilee with Me and a few disciples reaches all over the world bringing people from all different races, cultures, nations, religions, and backgrounds into My family. Yes, there are some who reject the message and refuse to believe. However, an amazing number come to faith and that faith has kept growing and providing a family, a real home, for other people of different languages and cultures. By the time we finish the book of Acts, the apostle Paul will have reached his goal of going to Rome (Romans 1:9-13), the capital of the empire. He didn’t arrive there in the way he anticipated or under the circumstances he would have planned. However, he arrived in Rome and effectively shared My good news there. This sharing is the final message Luke wanted you to hear: In Rome, Paul proclaimed My good news of the kingdom of God and taught about My grace “with great confidence and with no hindrance.” Christianity went from such small beginnings to such powerful influence in such a short time period — in just three decades. All of this was done without the benefits and conveniences of your era in time. The disciples had no superhighways, automobiles, planes, high-speed trains, internet, telephones, text messaging, social media, or email. So imagine what I can do today through you if you keep sharing My message using all your modern tools and trusting that I will support your efforts with My power! Verses to Live Notice how the ending to the book of Acts complements My parable about the mustard seed. My movement really is the mustard seed effect: people doing normal things with extraordinary faith in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus told them another parable. Jesus: The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a sower took and planted in his field. Mustard seeds are minute, tiny — but the seeds grow into trees. Flocks of birds can come and build their nests in the branches. (Matthew 13:31-32) Some [of the Jewish leaders in Rome] were convinced, but others refused to believe. Paul (adding as they left in disagreement): The Holy Spirit rightly spoke to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah: Go to this people and say, “You certainly do hear, but you will never understand; you certainly do see, but you will never have insight. “Make their hearts hard, their ears deaf, and their eyes blind. “Otherwise, they would look and see, listen and hear, understand and repent, and be healed.” So let it be known to you that God’s liberation, God’s healing, has been sent to the outsiders, and they will listen. Then the local Jewish leaders left Paul to discuss all he had told them. For two full years, he lived there in Rome, paying all his own expenses, receiving all who came to him. With great confidence and with no hindrance, he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the ultimate authority — the Lord Jesus, God’s Anointed, the Liberating King. (Acts 28:24-31) Response in Prayer Father, I stand in amazement at how the message of Jesus has reached out and impacted such a significant part of the world. I believe that behind the incredible spread of Your gospel is the work of the Holy Spirit. I believe that behind the advances of the kingdom are the prayers of Jesus’ followers who have invested their lives in His cause and who have kept on asking Him to release the power of the Holy Spirit through them. So I pray, dear Father, that you will use me to further Your mustard seed effect and that I can be a part of seeing people from all over the world come to faith in Your Son. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Finally in Rome!
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, Paul finally arrived in Rome in the concluding chapter of Acts. As you have seen over the last several days of reading, the journey had been difficult. Paul first had to navigate his way through the Jewish and Roman legal systems. He then repeatedly had to avoid being murdered by his enemies. He had to survive the dangerous and brutal sea voyage that included a shipwreck. But he finally arrived in Rome just as I promised. Although under house arrest, Paul had the freedom to teach others about Me and the kingdom of God. Notice several things from the verses that follow as Luke finishes his account of Paul’s journey to Rome. First, when Paul met other believers upon arriving in Italy, they welcomed him and even accompanied him on his journey to Rome. Rather than being afraid to be identified with Paul as a prisoner of Rome, they shared hospitality and encouragement with Paul as he traveled. My first-century followers and their love for each other were described well in the book of Hebrews: [T]hink back to the days after you were first enlightened and understood Who Jesus was: when you endured all sorts of suffering in the name of the Lord, when people held you up for public scorn and ridicule, or when they abused your partners and companions in the faith. Remember how you had compassion for those in prison and how you cheerfully accepted the seizure of your possessions, knowing that you have a far greater and more enduring possession. (Hebrews 10:32-34) This hospitality and encouragement that came from the power of the Holy Spirit and an understanding of grace were unstoppable! Second, Paul invited the Jewish leaders in Rome to come and visit him. He explained to them both the reason for his being imprisoned and also the good news of My coming. While these Jewish leaders had heard bad things about Paul, none of his accusers from Jerusalem or Asia Minor had come to Rome. Paul’s presence in Rome after his long sea voyage opened the door for him to share My salvation message with leaders and rulers. The absence of his accusers allowed for the hostile plans and murderous intentions of Paul’s Judean and Asian enemies to be thwarted. Behind all that happened, the Holy Spirit was working things out (Romans 8:28-29) for Paul to accomplish My purpose for him as an apostle. Finally, while some Jewish people believed Paul’s message, others rejected it. Paul reminded his Jewish critics that I had called him to share this message of liberation and healing with his Jewish brothers and sisters first. Their rejection of that message meant it was time for him to extend the message and invitation of grace to non-Jewish peoples (Romans 1:16-17). Paul’s experience had shown him that many non-Jews would listen to this message and respond by becoming My disciples. Luke was Paul’s physician and supportive friend. He accompanied Paul on many of his mission trips. When Luke chose an ending for the book of Acts, he closed his story of the early church and the ministries of Peter and Paul with a liberating truth. With great confidence and with no hindrance, he [Paul] proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the ultimate authority — the Lord Jesus, God’s Anointed, the Liberating King. Even though Paul was a prisoner, he had arrived in the capital city of the great Roman Empire. Despite his house arrest, Paul openly, powerfully, and effectively shared My good news of the kingdom of God and even some in Caesar’s household became My disciples (Philippians 4:21-22). By going to Rome, Paul had reached one of his primary goals. The gospel was advancing. Even when the Roman authorities turned against Christianity, the most powerful government in the world could not stop the spread of grace. Verses to Live Doctor Luke wrote Acts to trumpet one of the greatest of all surprises: the triumph of the message about Me. My early disciples proclaimed a crucified and resurrected Messiah from the out-of-the-way country of Israel and the insignificant region of Galilee. However, this message had spread like a wildfire across the Roman Empire in a mere three decades. Paul, initially an extremely zealous individual enemy of My movement, converted and became a passionate disciple. He traveled the northern part of the Mediterranean world sharing My story. Hearts and lives were changed. People from all sorts of countries, religious backgrounds, races, and social classes believed and became My disciples. The laws, roads, and stability of the Roman Empire helped pave the way for this rapid expansion of My movement. Even though Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner, he was able to share My story “with no hindrance.” Paul’s story, dear disciple, is your heritage. Read the last part of the account in Acts about Paul’s journey to Rome and his imprisonment there. As you finish Paul’s journey to Rome, I leave you with one question: What are you doing to encourage, support, and participate in the spread of the good news of the Father’s grace to your world? We [Paul and his companions] set sail from Malta and stopped first at Syracuse. After three days, we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. We waited there a day, and then a south wind sprang up and sped us to Puteoli. We found some believers there, and they invited us to stay with them for seven days. Then we reached Rome. The believers from Rome heard we were coming, so they traveled out to meet us at the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. Paul thanked God and felt encouraged to see them. Once inside the city, Paul lived under house arrest by himself, with only one soldier to guard him. Three days after his arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. Paul: Brothers, although I committed no wrong against our Jewish people or our ancestral customs, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed
Winning the Hearts of Your Critics
Note from Jesus Dear Friend, Just as Paul faced his legal ordeals and challenging travels to Rome, My disciples in Asia Minor faced growing criticism, ostracism, and persecution. So Peter wrote to encourage them. Like Paul, Peter would soon face even more challenging personal persecution and eventually martyrdom. These two great servants who carried the good news won friends and even some disciples among those who were assigned to guard and imprison them. They even shared their testimony before leaders who had them imprisoned. Peter wrote to those disciples facing persecution and reminded them repeatedly of the importance of being people of holy character and compassion. If they were going to suffer, they were to make sure they suffered for doing right things as My witnesses. I want you to read Peter’s words of encouragement and instruction to those disciples in today’s verses. Paul’s influence on Julius, the Roman officer responsible for delivering him to Rome, is a powerful testimony to the truth of Peter’s words of exhortation. Paul’s influence on Julius saved the crew, the soldiers, the prisoners, and himself from probable death at sea on several occasions. As you read today’s verses, notice how his influence on the Roman officer opened the door for his influence as a witness to My grace. Please remember that your words and actions, especially when you are facing hard times, are powerful and influential in ways you may never realize. When you are a person of faithful character in the face of trial, you are following My example and opening the door for My continued influence on the hearts of those who desperately need My grace! Verses to Live As you read these words, remember the importance in your own day of being a faithful and winsome witness to Me. My disciples today face growing resistance and opposition in the West. They are enduring horrible persecution in the Middle East and parts of Africa. Some countries in Asia are directly oppressing and imprisoning My followers. Please realize the principles you see in today’s verses are every bit as important to living in your day as they were in the time of Peter and Paul. Here are some of Peter’s words of exhortation and instruction to Christians in difficult circumstances: But you are a chosen people, set aside to be a royal order of priests, a holy nation, God’s own; so that you may proclaim the wondrous acts of the One Who called you out of inky darkness into shimmering light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received it. Beloved, remember you don’t belong in this world. You are resident aliens living in exile, so resist those desires of the flesh that battle against the soul. Live honorably among the outsiders so that, even when some may be inclined to call you criminals, when they see your good works, they might give glory to God when He returns in judgment. For the Lord’s sake, accept the decrees and laws of all the various human institutions, whether they come from the highest human ruler or agents he sends to punish those who do wrong and to reward those who do well. You see, it is God’s will that by doing what is right and good you should hush the gabbing ignorance of the foolish. Live as those who are free and not as those who use their freedom as a pretext for evil, but live as God’s servants. Respect everyone. Love the community of believers. Reverence God. Honor your ruler. … Why would anyone harm you if you eagerly do good? Even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you will receive a blessing. Don’t let them frighten you. Don’t be intimidated, but exalt Him as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed and say bad things about you will be put to shame. For if it is the will of God that you suffer, then it is better to suffer for doing what is right than for doing what is wrong. … Dear ones, don’t be surprised when you experience your trial by fire. It is not something strange and unusual, but it is something you should rejoice in. In it you share the Anointed’s sufferings, and you will be that much more joyful when His glory is revealed. If anyone condemns you for following Jesus as the Anointed One, consider yourself blessed. The glorious Spirit of God rests on you. But none of you should ever merit suffering like those who have murdered or stolen, meddled in the affairs of others or done evil things. But if you should suffer for being a Christian, don’t think of it as a disgrace, as it would be if you had done wrong. Praise God that you’re permitted to carry this name. … So bow down under God’s strong hand; then when the time comes, God will lift you up. Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone. Resist him and be strong in your faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are fellow sufferers with you. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of grace Who has called you [to His everlasting presence] through Jesus the Anointed will restore you, support you, strengthen you, and ground you. For all power belongs to God, now and forever. Amen. (1 Peter 2:9-17; 1 Peter 3:13-17; 1 Peter 4:12-16; 1 Peter 5:6-11) Now read about Paul’s example as a Christian prisoner sailing to Rome: The date was
Holy Moments, Ordinary Bread
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, The fellowship of My disciples as they gather around a table for a meal is a precious and holy time. This meal can be a common meal or Holy Communion. Any time My disciples gather in My name to “break bread” (1 Corinthians 10:16) and remember Me, their time together can be a sacramental experience. Each meal can be a holy time when I join with you in fellowship (Matthew 18:20). Your verses today remind you of the power of this kind of holy moment. The verses talk about holy meals in four contexts: I join two disciples on the road to Emmaus during the late afternoon after My resurrection, and they recognize Me when I “break bread” and share it with them. The first believers in Jerusalem get together to “break bread” regularly in the temple and daily in their homes. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the essence of Holy Communion, the Lord‘s Supper. Paul shares a holy meal with the 276 men — prisoners, soldiers, and ship’s crew — on the storm-tossed ship on his way to Rome. Please recognize that meals can always be a holy and sacred time. As you eat, no matter where you find yourself or with whom you share the meal, invite Me to join you. Recognize that I long to share this table fellowship time with you. Realize that our time together can be a sacramental moment of grace. Bread is never just bread when you gather in My name, remember what I have done for you, and enjoy the presence of others. I long to be made known to you as you “break bread”! Verses to Live These verses speak of several different kinds of meals and several different types of people gathered to share the meals. Each of these occasions is a holy time that brings grace and restores life because I AM a part of the gathering. Picture this [as Jesus meets disciples on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection]: That same day, two other disciples (not of the eleven) are traveling the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As they walk along, they talk back and forth about all that has transpired during recent days. While they’re talking, discussing, and conversing, Jesus catches up to them and begins walking with them, but for some reason they don’t recognize Him. Jesus: You two seem deeply engrossed in conversation. What are you talking about as you walk along this road? They stop walking and just stand there, looking sad. One of them — Cleopas is his name — speaks up. Cleopas: You must be the only visitor in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about what’s been going on over the last few days. Jesus: What are you talking about? Two Disciples: It’s all about the man named Jesus of Nazareth. He was a mighty prophet Who did amazing miracles and preached powerful messages in the sight of God and everyone around. Our chief priests and authorities handed Him over to be executed — crucified, in fact. We had been hoping that He was the One — you know, the One Who would liberate all Israel and bring God’s promises. Anyway, on top of all this, just this morning — the third day after the execution — some women in our group really shocked us. They went to the tomb early this morning, but they didn’t see His body anywhere. Then they came back and told us they did see something — a vision of heavenly messengers — and these messengers said that Jesus was alive. Some people in our group went to the tomb to check it out, and just as the women had said, it was empty. But they didn’t see Jesus. Jesus: Come on, men! Why are you being so foolish? Why are your hearts so sluggish when it comes to believing what the prophets have been saying all along? Didn’t it have to be this way? Didn’t the Anointed One have to experience these sufferings in order to come into His glory? Then He begins with Moses and continues, prophet by prophet, explaining the meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures, showing how they were talking about the very things that had happened to Jesus. About this time, they are nearing their destination. Jesus keeps walking ahead as if He has no plans to stop there, but they convince Him to join them. Two Disciples: Please, be our guest. It’s getting late, and soon it will be too dark to walk. So He accompanies them to their home. When they sit down at the table for dinner, He takes the bread in His hands, He gives thanks for it, and then He breaks it and hands it to them. At that instant, two things happen simultaneously: their eyes are suddenly opened so they recognize Him, and He instantly vanishes — just disappears before their eyes. Two Disciples (to each other): Amazing! Weren’t our hearts on fire within us while He was talking to us on the road? Didn’t you feel it all coming clear as He explained the meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures? So they get up immediately and rush back to Jerusalem — all seven miles — where they find the eleven gathered together — the eleven plus a number of others. Before Cleopas and his companion can tell their story, the others have their own story to tell. Other Disciples: The Lord has risen indeed! It’s true! He appeared to Simon! Then the two men report their own experience — their conversation along the road, their moment of realization and recognition as He broke the bread. At that very instant, as they’re still telling the story, Jesus is there, standing among them! (Luke 24:13-36) [Describing the life of the early disciples in Jerusalem after Pentecost.] They were unified as they worshiped at the temple day after day. In homes, they broke bread and shared meals with glad and generous hearts. (Acts
Treacherous Travels
Note from Jesus Dear Follower of The Way, Paul’s path to Rome was difficult. First, he faced a series of legal hearings before he even left for Rome. Then, he faced the challenging sea journey to Rome, a journey filled with adventure, hardship, danger, and influence. Paul’s legal proceedings began when he appeared before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council (Acts 23:1-11). Years earlier the people on this council condemned Me to death. Paul was later transferred to Caesarea to protect him from a plot to kill him (Acts 23:12-35). There he appeared before the governor, Felix, and was accused by the high priest and others, and there Paul gave his personal testimony (Acts 24:1-27). After two years of waiting, a new governor named Porcius Festus came to power. Paul also appeared before him. When Festus considered sending Paul back to be tried in Jerusalem, Paul appealed to have his case heard before Caesar in Rome. Paul’s appeal was granted (Acts 25:1-12). When King Agrippa arrived to pay respects to Festus, Paul then appeared before Agrippa and gave his personal testimony to him and his wife Bernice (Acts 25:13-27; Acts 26:1-32). The stonewalling delays of the political rulers may seem to have been a waste of time. However, Paul was actually doing exactly what I had told Ananias that Paul would do when I sent him to lead Paul to become My disciple: “I have chosen him to be My instrument to bring My name far and wide — to outsiders, to kings, and to the people of Israel as well. I have much to show him, including how much he must suffer for My name.” (Acts 9:15-16) Paul was able to tell My good news before people to whom he would never have had access without his legal hearings. Paul exposed these influential people to My story. He shared the good news and challenged them to accept My salvation by turning their lives around and receiving My grace. Paul had to endure suffering, but he wasn’t afraid of that. He was determined to fulfill his mission for Me (Acts 20:24). That is precisely what he did. I kept my promise to get him to Rome (Acts 23:11). The trip was eventful, dangerous, and full of adventure. But even in this sea trip to Rome, I used Paul to bless others as he shared My message of grace both in word and in action. Verses to Live The passages below come from the account of Paul’s sea journey to Rome. Notice how I ministered through Paul to those who were his guards. Paul’s influence positively impacted all those he contacted. Remember, your journey also may not be comfortable. Trust in Me and I will make sure your life matters… eternally… to both you and those whom you influence! The date was set for us to depart for Rome, and Paul and some other prisoners were transferred to the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a member of the Augustan Division. I, Luke, was permitted to join Paul for his journey to Rome, along with Aristarchus, a Macedonian brother from Thessalonica. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium… … Sailing conditions were adverse to say the least. Finally we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea on the south coast of Crete. We had lost a lot of time already — it was late in the year for sailing — following the Day of Atonement, and conditions had deteriorated from adverse to dangerous. Paul tried to warn those in charge. Paul: Sirs, if we proceed, I can see that our voyage will be dangerous and will involve heavy loss, not only of cargo, but of the ship itself; not only of the ship, but also of our lives. But the officer ignored Paul and instead trusted the ship’s pilot and owner who felt they could proceed. … One day a moderate south wind began to blow, which made an attempt [at sailing west up the coast] possible. We weighed anchor and sailed west, staying near shore. Then things got scary. A violent northeaster, the Euraquilo, blew down across Crete. We were caught. We couldn’t turn and sail into this fierce wind, so we had no choice but to let it drive us. … Imagine what happened: It’s the 14th night of our nightmare voyage; we’re being driven by the storm somewhere in the Adriatic Sea. It’s about midnight, and the sailors are taking soundings, fearing we might run aground. “Twenty fathoms,” somebody calls out in the darkness, then a little later, “Fifteen fathoms.” We’re nearing land! But hope quickly gives way to a new fear. At any moment in this darkness, they realize, we could be smashed onto unseen rocks. So they drop four anchors from the stern and pray for first light. … We wait. Just before dawn, Paul again gathers everyone on the ship — all 276 of us. He urges everyone to eat and encourages us not to lose hope. Paul: Listen, men, we’ve all been under incredible stress for 14 days. You haven’t eaten anything during this whole time. I urge you to take some food now because it will help you survive what we’re about to face. And I want to assure you — not one of you will lose a single hair from your head. We’re all going to make it — all 276 of us! Then Paul takes a loaf of bread and gives thanks to God in front of all of them. He breaks it, takes a piece, and begins to eat. A fresh surge of courage seems to fill their hearts as they also begin to eat. After satisfying their hunger, the crew lightens the ship by throwing the remaining wheat overboard. Day finally breaks. They survey the coastline and don’t recognize it, but they do notice a bay with a beach — the best place to try to run ashore. … The soldiers start talking
Powerful Testimony
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, I gave My life to bring God’s grace to you. As My disciple, I ask you to share My story of grace in your life with others. In the first verses you will read today, Peter tells early disciples who were facing challenging circumstances to be ready always to offer their “defense” for their hope in Me. The same admonition is true for you. You might call your “defense” your testimony. It is your reason for having hope in Me. Here are some questions to help prompt you as you think through your own “defense” or personal testimony: How does My story intersect your life to bring you hope? How does My grace change the way you feel about your future? How does My victory over sin, death, and hell give you the confidence to face your challenges? How does the Father’s love demonstrated by My incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection grab your heart? Where have you seen My blessings in your life? Certainly, there are more questions than these, but these should get you started as you prepare yourself to share! The longer reading in today’s verses comes from Paul’s trial before King Agrippa. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and was caught in a tangle of murder plots, legal delays, changes in leadership, and pressures to bribe his way to freedom. The grinding processes of the Roman legal system, Satan’s direct attacks, and unscrupulous people slowed down Paul’s appeal for freedom. Just as I had promised, Paul’s suffering for Me had a specific purpose. He addressed influential leaders he otherwise would have never been allowed to address (Acts 9:15-16; Acts 22:14-16). The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to say what needed to be said (Luke 12:11-12) so that the good news was preached to these influential leaders. Keeping your faith brimming with hope is hard when you are under fire. Persecution can drain faith of its steadfastness and rob hope of its vibrancy. I want you to know that I see, hear, and know of your challenges, your sufferings, and your trials. These adversities can come in all sorts of forms. Some of My disciples are facing torture and death this very day because of their faith. Others face ridicule while others are being ostracized or marginalized. All of these situations, along with your specific circumstances, are important to Me. I will not forget what you endure for My sake (Luke 12:6-7; Hebrews 6:10; Revelation 14:13). You are not forgotten! I will remember your faithfulness. Hard times do not come upon you because you are unimportant. You do not face them because you have been forgotten. Throughout history, I have used the testimony of My faithful disciples under persecution to soften the hearts of hostile leaders. I have used their examples of courage to strengthen other disciples. I have used their character while suffering to change public opinion about My people and their faith. In the midst of your trials, even in the most painful moments of your persecutions, remain true to Me. In the most belittling moments of ostracism and ridicule, remain faithful. Hang on to your hope in Me. Hold fast to My message of grace and ultimate victory. Remain true to the character and compassion you have as one of My followers. As you persevere, look for an opportunity to share the reason for your hope in Me. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of those around you who are desperately yearning to know the Father’s grace. Be ready to share your hope through both your words and your actions. As you do, please know that the Holy Spirit’s power and direction will work through you. You may not see immediate results, but know that your efforts will not be in vain! Verses to Live Folks in your day tell others in hard times to “hang in there.” For those facing trials, this phrase of encouragement can feel hollow and perfunctory. However, the two witnesses who speak to you through these verses that follow put their lives on the line to share these messages with you. These are words from the front lines of faith in the face of danger. Life is on the line. Both Peter and Paul will ultimately give their lives because of their faith. So take their words to heart. As you do, be encouraged to do two things. First, commit to being faithful under trial as you look for an opportunity to share the reason for your hope in Me. Second, pray for your brothers and sisters who are in hostile places and whose lives are on the line because of their faith. Why would anyone harm you if you eagerly do good? Even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you will receive a blessing. Don’t let them frighten you. Don’t be intimidated, but exalt Him [Jesus Christ] as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed [in Christ] and say bad things about you will be put to shame. For if it is the will of God that you suffer, then it is better to suffer for doing what is right than for doing what is wrong. (1 Peter 3:13-17) Agrippa (to Paul): Go ahead. You may speak for yourself. Paul (extending his hand): I am indeed fortunate to be standing before you, King Agrippa, to humbly defend myself against accusations from my Jewish opponents. You are extraordinarily familiar with Jewish customs and controversies, so I beg your patience as I begin. My way of life is well known to the whole Jewish community, how I have lived in the Jewish community abroad and in Jerusalem. If they are willing to speak, they themselves will tell you something they have long known — that I was a member of the strictest
Navigating Political Minefields
Note from Jesus Dear Precious One, Each of My disciples is precious to Me. I hate for any of them to have to go through unfair trials and difficulties. Unfortunately, the world in which My disciples live is filled with all sorts of twisted people. These people abuse politics and laws to suit themselves. They try to extort money from the innocent. They make decisions to curry favor rather than to deliver justice. I remind you that My trial was an awful miscarriage of justice. My execution was government-sponsored murder. The whole situation was politically motivated and not based on truth. My few believers in influential Jewish circles feared reprisal for their faith, so they remained silent in the face of all the abuses of the law and justice. Notice this fear of rejection among the Jews during the last week before My crucifixion: Despite all the signs He [Jesus the Anointed] performed, they [the people in the crowd] still did not believe in Him. … Yet many leaders secretly believed in Him but would not declare their faith because the Pharisees continued their threats to expel all His followers from the synagogue; here’s why: they loved to please men more than they desired to glorify God. (John 12:37; John 12:42-43) Without anyone to insist on a fair trial, the Jewish leaders tried me illegally. They seized Me at night having paid Judas to betray Me. The trial was held at night away from the people. The testimony used against Me was untrue and provided by false witnesses. When the Sanhedrin pronounced Me guilty, they sent Me to Pilate (Matthew 26:47-67; Matthew 27:1-2). Pilate recognized almost immediately that I was innocent, yet tried to gain political leverage by having Me go before Herod. I was pronounced innocent by Pilate, but he appeased the crowd by releasing a hardened criminal named Barabbas rather than releasing Me. Pilate then had Me scourged trying to calm the crowd. When this appeasement didn’t work, Pilate handed Me over to be crucified (Matthew 27:11-26). So yes, precious disciple, I experienced injustice — a total miscarriage of justice. When under trial, I do want you to remain a person of holy character. I also want you to look for an opportunity to share My good news with influential people even when being treated unjustly. However, I don’t want you to suffer unjustly if you can legally prevent this unfairness from happening. One of the many reasons that Paul was effective as My apostle to the Gentiles was that he was a Roman citizen. This citizenship gave Paul specific rights that protected him many times during his life of ministry. I want you to notice in the verses below that Paul exercised his legal rights as a Roman citizen to protect himself and his ministry. Another example was Paul using his citizenship to obtain an acknowledgement that he and his associates had been treated unlawfully in Philippi (Acts 16:35-40). Verses to Live Today’s verses share some of the intrigue, political maneuvering, and treachery that led Paul to use his legal rights to protect himself and his ministry. Please know that I want you to do the same. Be a person of holy character and faith. Trust in the Holy Spirit to give you words to say but use every legal right to protect yourself and your ministry. I will be at work to redeem your situation (Romans 8:28). Felix was quite knowledgeable about the Way. He adjourned the preliminary hearing. Felix: When Lysias the commandant comes to Caesarea, I will decide your case. He then ordered the officer to keep Paul in custody, but to permit him some freedom and to allow any of his friends to take care of his needs. A few days later, Felix sent for Paul and gave him an opportunity to speak about faith in the Anointed One. Felix was accompanied by his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. As Paul spoke of justice, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became fearful. Felix: That’s enough for now. When I have time, I will send for you again. They had a number of conversations of this sort; but Felix actually was hoping that, by having frequent contact with him, Paul might offer him a bribe. As a favor to the Jews, he did nothing to resolve the case and left Paul in prison for two years. Then Felix completed his assignment as governor, and Porcius Festus succeeded him. Three days after arriving in the province, Festus traveled south from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The chief priests and Jewish leaders still had a plan to kill Paul and gave a report to Festus about their unresolved grievances against Paul. They suggested that as a favor to them, Festus should move Paul to Jerusalem. Of course, this was part of the plan to set an ambush for Paul and kill him en route. Festus instead offered to reopen the case. He would be going back to Caesarea soon. Festus: So let your leaders accompany me, and bring your accusations against the man. Eight or ten days later, Festus returned to Caesarea, and the next day he took his seat in court. He ordered Paul to be brought before him. The Jewish opponents from Jerusalem immediately surrounded Paul and from all directions bombarded him with all sorts of serious charges, none of which could be proven. Paul (quietly and simply): In no way have I committed any offense against Jewish law, against the Jewish temple and all it represents, or against the emperor. Here Festus saw an opportunity to do just the favor Paul’s Jewish opponents had requested. Festus: Would you like to have your trial in Jerusalem? I’d be willing to try your case there. Paul: If I had committed a capital offense, I would accept my punishment. But I’m sure it’s clear to you that I have done no wrong to the Jews. Since their charges against me are completely empty, it would be wrong
‘You Will Do the Same in Rome!’
Note from Jesus Dear Follower, Roman soldiers saved Paul from being beaten to death by an angry Jewish mob. The mob had mistakenly thought he had taken a Gentile named Trophimus into the Jewish-only portion of the Temple. The people in the crowd were “out of their heads mad” at Paul. They raged at him and began to beat him until the Roman soldiers intervened, picked him up and carried him to safety (Acts 21:27-36). Paul asked to speak to the crowd, and they quieted down when he spoke to them in their native language. They followed his message intently until he talked about Jesus sending him to “outsiders” (Gentiles). At the mention of that one word, they went berserk again (Acts 22:1-23). They were determined to kill him. Their plots during the next several stages of Paul’s twisted path through the Jewish and Roman legal system provide a back-story that should repeatedly remind you that Paul’s life was in jeopardy almost daily. Under this incredible pressure and scrutiny, Paul repeatedly gave his testimony and kept his head when most people around him went mad with anger and hatred. Paul used his Roman citizenship to preserve his life, appeal for justice, prevent beatings, and ultimately get to Rome. Despite all the threats and attempts on his life, My promise sustained him until he arrived in Rome: “Keep up your courage, Paul! You have successfully told your story about Me in Jerusalem, and soon you will do the same in Rome.” Verses to Live My intervention repeatedly preserved Paul’s life; also, his cunning maneuvers, quick wit, and use of his Roman citizenship brought him safely to Rome. Safely! Despite the threats, plans, and attempts on his life. Safely! Despite being a prisoner and being caught in a shipwreck. Safely! Despite a potentially deadly viper bite. Never forget that I AM at work in your life too. I want you, like Paul, to use all the tools at your disposal to secure your freedom, to protect your life, and to safeguard the ministry entrusted to you. I have given you your abilities, so use them in My service. If the journey is hard, please remember these words of My great apostle, Paul. His journey to Rome proves these words are true. Now I’m sure of this: the sufferings we endure now are not even worth comparing to the glory that is coming and will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18) As you read about Paul’s journey, remember My promises… both to Paul and to you. Your goal isn’t Rome as Paul’s was; but glory awaits for you! They [the crowd Paul was addressing] were listening quietly up until he mentioned the outsiders. Crowd (shouting): Away with him! Such a man can’t be allowed to remain here. Kill him! He must die! Chaos broke out again. People were shouting, slamming their coats down on the ground, and throwing fistfuls of dust up in the air. The commandant ordered the soldiers to bring Paul to the barracks and flog him until he confessed to whatever he had done to stir up this outrage. Back at the barracks, as they tied him up with leather thongs, Paul spoke to a nearby officer. Paul: Is this legal — for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial? The officer went and spoke to the commandant. Officer: What can you do about this? Did you know this fellow is a Roman citizen? Commandant (rushing to Paul’s side): What’s this? Are you really a Roman citizen? Paul: Yes. Commandant: I paid a small fortune for my citizenship. Paul: I was born a citizen. Hearing this, those who were about to start the flogging pulled back, and the commandant was concerned because he had arrested and bound a citizen without cause. He still needed to conduct an investigation to uncover the Jews’ accusations against Paul. So the next day, he removed the ties on Paul and called a meeting with the chief priests and council of elders. He brought Paul in and had him stand before the group. Paul stared at the council and spoke. Paul: Brothers, I have always lived my life to this very day with a clear conscience before God. Ananias the high priest signaled those standing near Paul to hit him on the mouth. Paul: You hypocrite! God will slap you! How dare you sit in judgment and claim to represent the law, while you violate the law by ordering me to be struck for no reason? Bystanders: The nerve of you insulting the high priest of God! Paul: I’m sorry, my brothers. I didn’t realize this was the high priest. The law warns us to not curse the ruler of the people. Paul noticed that some members of the council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he quickly spoke to the council. Paul: Brothers, I am a Pharisee, born to a Pharisee. I am on trial because I have hope that the dead are raised! That got the two parties arguing with one another because the Sadducees say there is no such thing as resurrection, heavenly messengers, or spirits, and the Pharisees believe in all three. Soon these leaders were shouting, and some of the scholars from the party of the Pharisees rose to their feet. Pharisees: There is nothing wrong with this man. Maybe he really has encountered a spirit or a heavenly messenger. The two parties were about to start throwing punches, and the commandant was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces, so he sent in his soldiers to intervene. They took Paul back into custody and returned him to their barracks. That night the Lord came near and spoke to him. The Lord: Keep up your courage, Paul! You have successfully told your story about Me in Jerusalem, and soon you will do the same in Rome. (Acts 22:22-30; Acts 23:1-11) Response in Prayer I trust in You, O God. I trust in You even in the
Arrested to Serve and to Save
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, Paul’s long anticipated return to Jerusalem finally happened. He arrived in Jerusalem accompanied by Christians from the churches in Asia Minor and Europe. They came with Paul to bless their impoverished Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ and to be able to report back to their churches that the contributions for the poor in Jerusalem were used as intended. Along the way, Paul had been repeatedly warned by friends and by the Holy Spirit that trouble, hardship, danger, and arrest awaited him (Acts 20:22-25; Acts 21:4; Acts 21:10-14). In an attempt to keep the peace with the Jewish people of Jerusalem and to preserve the fragile peace the Jewish Christians enjoyed with their fellow Israelites, Paul followed a suggestion that James and the elders in Jerusalem made. He went to the temple with other Jewish Christians to show he still respected his heritage. However, some people from Asia Minor who hated Paul were at the temple. They had previously seen Paul with a fellow named Trophimus, who was a Gentile from Ephesus. They wrongly assumed Paul had taken Trophimus into the Jewish-only portion of the temple compound. A Gentile in this portion of the temple was an offense punishable by death under both Roman and Jewish law. So in their fury, they seized Paul. They screamed for others to help them beat Paul to death. Roman soldiers rushed to the scene and arrested Paul. However, the riot had grown so intense that the soldiers had to carry him to safety. Paul had invested so much of himself in the Gentile churches’ collection for the poor Jewish Christians of Jerusalem. He had so hoped that this act of generosity would tear down the walls of race and prejudice that divided My church in many places in that day. Unfortunately, because of Paul’s association with Gentiles, his attempts at reconciliation blew up in his face as an ugly riotous mob of non-Christian Jews tried to kill him. Years earlier, on My last trip to Jerusalem before My crucifixion, I warned My disciples repeatedly about the hostile rejection, arrest, and crucifixion that awaited Me. Paul and others had warned that he would be rejected and arrested in Jerusalem. Just as I had gone to the temple to honor the Father, so had Paul. Just as I had met with the hostility of the people in the temple, so had Paul. What I said on My trip to Jerusalem still rang true in Paul’s day: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, “Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 23:37-39 NLT) My lament is similar to Paul’s words you read previously from the book of Romans — words that partially explain why Paul went to Jerusalem despite facing rejection and possible death. He wrote: With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed — cut off from Christ! — if that would save them. (Romans 9:1-3 NLT) Paul’s trip to Jerusalem wasn’t made because he was foolhardy or had a death wish. Paul went there because of the love he had for non-believing Jews, because of his desire to unite the world Christian movement beyond racial lines, and because he wanted to help impoverished Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. I share all this because I want you to notice that sometimes things don’t turn out as you would want. This undesired result can be true even when you have the best of motives. This outcome was true for Me on My last trip to Jerusalem. It was also true for Paul on his last trip to Jerusalem. Despite the disappointments and the apparent failure of Paul’s mission, the Holy Spirit worked to bring great good out of this awful situation. The Spirit used this shocking turn of events to enable Paul to testify before rulers and authorities and ultimately to get to Rome. So please, don’t give up in despair when your best efforts and your finest intentions end up in a mess. Satan wants to use your mess to destroy you. But I AM at work even when circumstances suggest that I have abandoned you. The Father is working for your good even when you can’t immediately see that good. Paul’s words of assurance ultimately were proved true for him on this visit to Jerusalem, and ultimately they will be proved true for you: We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. From the distant past, His eternal love reached into the future. You see, He knew those who would be His one day, and He chose them beforehand to be conformed to the image of His Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn of a new family of believers, all brothers and sisters. Romans 8:28-29 What Paul promised to you, I accomplished and proved true for him. But that, My dear disciple, will be shown in more detail in our subsequent days together as we continue to remember Paul’s journey to Rome! Verses to Live Luke told this account of Paul’s arrest very matter-of-factly. So I want you to let your imagination catch you up into this story. Imagine yourself as one of the angry mob. How do you feel believing Paul had desecrated the holy temple of YHWH (the Hebrew for the name of God)? Imagine yourself as
The Heart of a Shepherd
Note from Jesus Dear Precious Disciple, Paul was finally on his way back to Jerusalem. His trip had been delayed because of the plots against his life. So he had gone back through Macedonia on his way to Troas instead of going to the province of Asia or straight to Syria. He also wanted to be with people he knew, loved, and trusted. He departed for Troas alone. He had sent Luke and his companions, along with the representatives from the congregations in Macedonia and Greece, ahead of him. These men were traveling with the special contributions from their congregations for needy brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. Rather than go back through Ephesus where enemies were planning to kill him, Paul sent word for the Ephesian elders, the older male leaders of the church, to meet him at Miletus. This meeting was full of emotion. Paul reminded these brothers of his own way of life and how much he risked to share the good news of the kingdom with them. He reminded them that he personally taught them in their homes and in public venues. He hadn’t changed his message to protect himself but shared everything they needed to hear. Paul told the elders that despite knowing he faced danger, arrest, and persecution, he had to go to Jerusalem. His life was not worth anything to him if he did not fulfill his calling: The only value I [Paul] place on my life is that I may finish my race, that I may fulfill the ministry that Jesus our King has given me, that I may gladly tell the good news of God’s grace. He warned the Ephesian elders he would not see them again. He also warned them, as shepherds of the church that I bought with My blood, that false teachers would try to mislead the people — the flock of the Father — under their care. Through the emotion of the moment, he wanted them to recognize their high calling and feel their great responsibility. In this meeting with its deep emotion, Paul charged these leaders to be good shepherds — pastors. He told them to watch out for each other. He told them to shepherd and protect the flock of My sheep entrusted to their care. They must serve selflessly as Paul had served them. Then with a prayer filled with tears, these beloved brothers walked Paul to his ship and said goodbye. A disciple’s life is filled with goodbyes. Some of these goodbyes are the inevitable ones when losing someone in death. The loss hurts, but if that person is one of My disciples, the parting is only temporary. Some of these goodbyes are necessary because of My call on a disciple’s heart to fulfill a mission for Me. While this parting may lead to a final goodbye on earth, I can assure you that no one who faithfully does work in My name will lose his or her reward. Victory is assured. Reunion is certain. The future of each faithful servant is directly connected to My future. So while goodbyes may be filled with tears, remember that they are also filled with My promises of victory and reunion! Verses to Live Please read through these verses several times. On the first pass, notice the language of deep emotion and recognize how important it was for Paul to share this final message with these church leaders. The second time, look at the examples Paul gave of selfless ministry in his own life to guide these shepherds in their leadership. Finally, feel the strong pull of Paul’s sense of mission as it led him to face hardship and difficulties. As you read through this the final time, ask yourself what you are called to do with such emotion, urgency, and conviction! Again Paul wanted us to split up. He wanted to go by land by himself [from Troas] while we went by ship to Assos. There he came on board with us, and we sailed on to Mitylene. From there we sailed near Chios, passing by it the next day, docking briefly at Samos the day after that, then arriving at Miletus the following day. This route kept us safely out of Ephesus and didn’t require Paul to spend any time at all in Asia, since he wanted to arrive in Jerusalem quickly — before Pentecost, he hoped. In Miletus he sent word to the church in Ephesus, asking the elders to come down to meet with him. When they arrived, he talked with them. Paul: We will have many memories of our time together in Ephesus; but of all the memories, most of all I want you to remember my way of life. From the first day I arrived in Asia, I served the Lord with humility and tears, patiently enduring the many trials that came my way through the plots of my Jewish opponents. I did everything I could to help you; I held nothing back. I taught you publicly, and I taught you in your homes. I told everyone the same message — Jews and Greeks alike — that we must turn toward God and have faith in our Lord Jesus the Anointed. Now I feel that the Holy Spirit has taken me captive. I am being led to Jerusalem. My future is uncertain, but I know — the Holy Spirit has told me — that everywhere I go from now on, I will find imprisonment and persecution waiting for me. But that’s OK. That’s no tragedy for me because I don’t cling to my life for my own sake. The only value I place on my life is that I may finish my race, that I may fulfill the ministry that Jesus our King has given me, that I may gladly tell the good news of God’s grace. I now realize that this is our last good-bye. You have been like family in all my travels to proclaim the kingdom of