Seven Stories - Ruth, A Faithful Woman
Ready, Set, GROW!!
Stories of FAITHFULNESS
At a church in Binford, North Dakota, an elderly woman, Mary, fainted and struck her head on the end of the pew. Immediately, an EMT in the congregation called an ambulance.
As they strapped her to a stretcher and got ready to head out the door, Mary regained consciousness. She motioned for her daughter to come near. Everyone thought she was summoning her strength to convey what could be her final words. The daughter leaned over until her ear was at her mother’s mouth. “My offering is in my purse,” she whispered.
Fresh Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching (Baker), from the editors of Leadership.
Couple Married 72 Years Die Holding Hands
In October 2011, Gordon Yeager, 94, and his wife Norma, 90, died exactly one hour apart after 72 years of marriage. They were holding hands when they died.
The couple left their home in Marshalltown, Iowa, to run some errands in town, but they never made it. A car accident sent the couple to the emergency room with broken bones and other injuries. When they were transferred to intensive care the nurses knew not to separate them. But, even in the hospital, they were more concerned about each other.
Their son Dennis Yeager said, “She was saying her chest hurt and what’s wrong with Dad? Even laying there like that, she was worried about Dad. And his back was hurting and he was asking about Mom.”
When it became clear that their conditions were not improving, they moved them in beds side-by-side so they could hold hands.
Gordon died at 3:38 P.M. holding hands with his wife as the family they built surrounded them.
Their son Dennis said,
“It was really strange, they were holding hands, and dad stopped breathing but I couldn’t figure out what was going on because the heart monitor was still going. But we were like, he isn’t breathing. How does he still have a heart beat? The nurse checked and said that’s because they were holding hands and it’s going through them. Her heart was beating through him and picking it up.”
At 4:38 p.m., exactly one hour after Gordon died, Norma passed away too.
Dennis Yeager said, “They just loved being together …. They were old-fashioned. They believed in marriage till death do you part.”
Dennis also added, “I don’t believe there was a big secret to their marriage. Sometimes one or the other would get mad, but they worked everything out. In the end, they chose each other, and that was it. They were committed.”
sources: KCCI Des Moines, “Couple Married 72 Years Dies Holding Hands” (2-14-12); Christina NG, “Iowa Couple Married 72 Years Dies Holding Hands, an Hour Apart,” ABC News (10-19-11)
Beautiful stories of faithfulness.
As we continue with Seven Stories, today we look at one of the two books named after a woman - Ruth. The other book is Esther. Since this is not the most well-known book in the Bible, let’s do some foundational study to start.
Background (comments edited from Fire Bible)
Historically, the book of Ruth describes events in the life of an Israelite family during the time of the judges. Last week we looked at Gideon from Judges.
Geographically, the setting for the first 18 verses is the land of Moab (east of the Dead Sea). The rest of the events took place in or near Bethlehem.
The book traces Ruth’s descendants up to King David. It most likely was written during the time when David was king.
Purpose
Ruth was written to describe how a young Moabite woman who showed deep loyalty and love became the great-grandmother of Israel’s King David. It tells about a godly family whose faithfulness served as a supreme example during the time of great spiritual and moral decline. We saw the impact of that spiritual decline last week with how God used Gideon.
The story of redeeming, saving love opened during a famine that caused Elimelech to leave Judah and move his family to Moab. Things got worse when Elimelech died. Later his two sons died in Moab. This left Naomi, the mother and the two daughters-in-law as widows. All three were in a very difficult position in that culture at that time.
Let’s get an overview of the whole story.
Ruth 1:1-9 NLT
1 In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. 2 The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there.
3 Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. 4 The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.
6 Then Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah. 8 But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the LORD reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. 9 May the LORD bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept.
Orpha listened to Naomi and returned home. Ruth insisted on going on with Naomi. They returned to Bethlehem. The people were excited to see Naomi return. But she was sad for the great loss of her husband and sons.
They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest. Survival was going to be a real issue for them. God had given as part of His law that needy people could glean crops from fields after the harvesters had gone through them. Naomi sent Ruth out and she went to the field of Boaz, a wealthy and influential relative. She sent there to gather grain.
Boaz saw her there and asked who she was. He found out she was Naomi’s daughter-in-law. Boaz told her to gather all the grain she wanted from his field. She could work with the harvesters. He warned the people to treat her kindly. He told her to feel free to drink from the water they supplied to the workers. He said she should join the workers for meals, and she could bring some leftovers home.
Ruth was extremely grateful for his kindness and expressed to Boaz. When she got home she showed Naomi the bountiful harvest she got and told her the whole story.
Ruth worked with them through the barley harvest, and then joined them for the wheat harvest.
As we go on, I need to help you understand an important term.
Kinsman Redeemer: It comes from the law of Moses, Leviticus 25. It speaks of a person whose right it is, because of being the nearest relative, to redeem or buy back a forfeited inheritance. It was his right to purchase or acquire a relative’s property to keep it in the family. He could redeem it from whoever had bought it. This is the picture of Boaz, who was one of the nearest relations to Elimelech. He married Ruth, an heiress of Elimelech, and reentered into the possession of her estate.
The prophetic picture is that Jesus is our kinsman redeemer, we have been purchased, redeemed, through the Blood of Jesus. Naomi gave Ruth instructions as to how to approach Boaz as her kinsman redeemer. She followed her instructions exactly. This was important for Boaz knew the customs and the law. He recognized what was happening.
Boaz told Ruth he would do what was right. There was another person who was a closer relative. He had to talk with him first to see if he wanted to marry Ruth and redeem the inheritance. It turned out he didn’t want to do that.
Boaz and Ruth were married. They had a son and named him Obed. Obed was the grandfather of King David. Jesus was born from the line of King David.
Ruth’s faithfulness was rewarded in ways far beyond anything she could ever imagine.
Mysterious Congo Missionary Deaths - an example of faithful.
The daughter of missionaries to the Congo Republic told Pastor Leith Anderson this story: As a little girl, she participated in a daylong rally to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the coming of missionaries to that part of Africa. At the close of a long day of speeches and music, an old, old man stood before the crowd and insisted on speaking. He soon would die, he said, and if he didn’t speak, information that he alone possessed would go with him to his grave.
He said that when the missionaries arrived, his people thought them strange and their message dubious. The tribal leaders decided to test the missionaries by slowly poisoning them to death. Over a period of months and years, missionary children died one by one. Then, the old man said, “It was as we watched how they died that we decided we wanted to live as Christians.”
Those who died painful, strange deaths never knew why they were dying or what the impact of their lives and deaths would be. But through it all, they didn’t leave. They stayed because they trusted Jesus Christ.
Leith Anderson, “Mystery Martyrs,” Men of Integrity, (January/February 2004)
We never know what God can accomplish through our faithfulness.
The book of Ruth begins with great sorrow. It ends with great joy and fulfillment — for Naomi, Ruth, Boaz and all of Israel.
I want to quickly point out three applications of this book, although there are several more we could talk about.
Ruth 1:16 NLT
But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
Where you go, I will Go. She was faithful to serve whatever the cost and inconvenience.
Your God will be my God. Ruth turned from the gods of her childhood to serve the Creator God. Faithfulness to God is vital.
14 At mealtime Boaz called to her, “Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.” So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over.
15 When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her.
16 And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!”
Here we see God’s provision. I love the thought that he told them to leave extra for Ruth to pick up, do it on purpose. Handfuls on purpose. God has no problem providing for His people. Ruth was rewarded for her faithfulness and service.
Ruth 4:14 NLT
Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the LORD, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. Some background. At one time Naomi thought God had forsaken her. Ruth 1:21 NLT
I went away full, but the LORD has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the LORD has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?
Times of difficulty are God’s opportunity for advancing his purposes. Naomi thought God had abandoned her, but that was not true.
God does not abandon His children. He is always there for us, no matter what the situation looks like.
God honors faithfulness. This is one of the most important characteristics we must develop as believers. Out of faithfulness will grow God’s presence and power. We prove faithfulness and grow in our relationship with Jesus. Then, there is no limit to what God can do through YOU.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Blog On
Blog On
January was a fun month for blogging. Going through the Book of Acts gave me something to write about every day. It was often a challenge to get it done. There were often several things calling for my attention. It was fun to read the chapters of Acts, to read commentaries from various sources and figure out what I would write for the day. At the end of the month I found another source of commentary and I almost wanted to start all over again. Almost.
Now, we are in a new month. I trust that you are continuing to read your Bible. Keep reading till you know everything there is to know about the Bible. I hope you are still thinking about what it says and using the questions we used. They are:
1. What can we learn from the church in Acts?
2. What should be normative for the church?
3. How can we apply what we see in Acts?
As you read from any book of the Bible, you can adapt these questions and use them to think about and apply the Bible to your life. Think about what you read.
The title of this writing today is Blog On. Or, we can say, keep on keeping on. Never give up. Just as we are not to give up reading the Bible because the emphasis for January is past, we are to not give up doing all we can in our service to the Lord. Press on.
Keep the calling of God in your heart. Keep the eternal reward in your focus. Keep moving forward. Keep your eyes on the Lord, not the circumstances around you. Keep on.
January was a fun month for blogging. Going through the Book of Acts gave me something to write about every day. It was often a challenge to get it done. There were often several things calling for my attention. It was fun to read the chapters of Acts, to read commentaries from various sources and figure out what I would write for the day. At the end of the month I found another source of commentary and I almost wanted to start all over again. Almost.
Now, we are in a new month. I trust that you are continuing to read your Bible. Keep reading till you know everything there is to know about the Bible. I hope you are still thinking about what it says and using the questions we used. They are:
1. What can we learn from the church in Acts?
2. What should be normative for the church?
3. How can we apply what we see in Acts?
As you read from any book of the Bible, you can adapt these questions and use them to think about and apply the Bible to your life. Think about what you read.
The title of this writing today is Blog On. Or, we can say, keep on keeping on. Never give up. Just as we are not to give up reading the Bible because the emphasis for January is past, we are to not give up doing all we can in our service to the Lord. Press on.
Keep the calling of God in your heart. Keep the eternal reward in your focus. Keep moving forward. Keep your eyes on the Lord, not the circumstances around you. Keep on.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty Nine
Acts Chapter Twenty Nine
OK, I know what you are thinking. There are only twenty eight chapters in the book. What is going on?
Acts is written to document the history of the early church. Luke started the book this way.
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
The former book was the Gospel of Luke. He wrote that to document the life of Jesus. He wrote Acts to tell the continuing story of the church. We can learn much about God’s plan for His church through Acts. As we have been reading I trust you have paid attention to the supernatural. I trust you have paid attention to what was normal in the early church.
We study history to learn. We learn what to do and what not to do from history. We study church history in Acts to learn what God wants for His church. As we study and learn, we must strive to apply.
Why am I calling this Acts 29? Because the history of the church is still being written. Acts cuts off abruptly. There is no farewell or ending. It just stops. I believe this is because the history didn’t end there. Luke only wrote up to a certain point, knowing that the church would go on. Paul’s life continued. He eventually was released from prison in Rome. He did much more to advance God’s Kingdom.
Today, we are active in helping write chapter 29. Or, maybe it would be chapter 2,000. Whatever the case, the church is very much alive today. How productive it is depends on the believers.
What was normal in Acts? People got saved. People were baptized in the Holy Spirit. They had powerful prayer meetings. Believers were fully committed to God and His work. People sacrificed. The church had great power and many miracles happened. The church was persecuted. The world knew the church was alive and impacting society around it.
What should be normal today? The list should be the same. The power of God is always the same. God is always the same.
Chapter 1
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Chapter 2
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
More than ever, we need the fullness and the power of the Holy Spirit. The church today must be Spirit-filled and impacting the world. The only hope for all the anguish around us is the change that Jesus will make in the lives of people. We have that power in us. Having read Acts again, I trust that you are inspired and challenged to be used for God in greater ways than ever before. You? Yes, You. Maybe it might help for you to read it again, looking for the inspiration that comes from seeing God do His great work. I trust our prayer is “Lord, do it again.”
OK, I know what you are thinking. There are only twenty eight chapters in the book. What is going on?
Acts is written to document the history of the early church. Luke started the book this way.
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
The former book was the Gospel of Luke. He wrote that to document the life of Jesus. He wrote Acts to tell the continuing story of the church. We can learn much about God’s plan for His church through Acts. As we have been reading I trust you have paid attention to the supernatural. I trust you have paid attention to what was normal in the early church.
We study history to learn. We learn what to do and what not to do from history. We study church history in Acts to learn what God wants for His church. As we study and learn, we must strive to apply.
Why am I calling this Acts 29? Because the history of the church is still being written. Acts cuts off abruptly. There is no farewell or ending. It just stops. I believe this is because the history didn’t end there. Luke only wrote up to a certain point, knowing that the church would go on. Paul’s life continued. He eventually was released from prison in Rome. He did much more to advance God’s Kingdom.
Today, we are active in helping write chapter 29. Or, maybe it would be chapter 2,000. Whatever the case, the church is very much alive today. How productive it is depends on the believers.
What was normal in Acts? People got saved. People were baptized in the Holy Spirit. They had powerful prayer meetings. Believers were fully committed to God and His work. People sacrificed. The church had great power and many miracles happened. The church was persecuted. The world knew the church was alive and impacting society around it.
What should be normal today? The list should be the same. The power of God is always the same. God is always the same.
Chapter 1
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Chapter 2
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
More than ever, we need the fullness and the power of the Holy Spirit. The church today must be Spirit-filled and impacting the world. The only hope for all the anguish around us is the change that Jesus will make in the lives of people. We have that power in us. Having read Acts again, I trust that you are inspired and challenged to be used for God in greater ways than ever before. You? Yes, You. Maybe it might help for you to read it again, looking for the inspiration that comes from seeing God do His great work. I trust our prayer is “Lord, do it again.”
Acts Chapter Twenty Eight
Acts Chapter Twenty Eight
It’s hard to believe that we have reached the end of this book. When we started it looked like a large project to get through. But then, day by day, we have come to the end. It reminds me of what has been said about eating an elephant. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
How do you get through a book of the Bible? A chapter at a time. Maybe even several verses at a time. How do you get through the Bible? One book at a time. By consistent reading and study, it is possible to learn much. I trust that this exercise in Acts will help you to be a reader of the Bible. I trust that it will help you to be a student absorbing the truths of God’s Word. There is so much more to what is proclaimed than simply passing words before your eyes to say you have read it. In this Divine text we find simple truths to guide. We also find deep principles of life to take us through all the challenges we face.
What do we find in chapter twenty eight? We find the end of the journey for Paul that started in Jerusalem and ended in Rome. We left him in a shipwreck at the end of the last chapter. They all made it to the Island of Malta where they were well received by the people who lived there. A few interesting things happened.
The first was when Paul was helping out gathering firewood so they could get warm. A poisonous snake jumped out of the pile of wood and bit him. The people saw that and immediately thought he must be a murderer. Their mentality of justice said that, even though Paul survived the shipwreck, he must be guilty so the gods are getting him. Paul didn’t panic, he simply shook of the snake and kept working. When he didn’t die, then the people thought he was a god. Paul was trusting God for His protection. He knew God promised him to be with him and he simply accepted it. Good lesson here.
The second event worth noting was that the leader of the island, Publius, had a sick father. Paul went to his house and prayed for him. God healed him. Paul was always ready to minister to anyone anywhere. Even though he was a prisoner there, even though he was falsely accused, he was always open for an opportunity to minister for the glory of God.
They all had to winter at Malta. Eventually they got on a ship and made it to Rome. At Rome he was allowed to rent a house and live in it under house arrest. He invited the local Jewish leaders to come in for discussion. He had good discussion and teaching time with them. Some became believers in Jesus.
Paul was in Rome under house arrest for two years. The wheels of justice moved very slowly. Many came to see him and he preached boldly and without hesitation. Luke doesn’t say it, but it is assumed from history that Paul was eventually acquitted of the charges.
Luke very abruptly ends the discourse. There is no, “well, that’s all folks” or anything like that.
I want to ask you to think about what we have read this month. Can you think of some things you have learned? What did you see about how they functioned as the early church? What have you seen that will work in your life today?
While they were human with all their human failures and weaknesses, they lived in the power of God. The presence of the Lord was evident as they faced many obstacles. Many times it was – if God doesn’t come through, we’re sunk. We face those similar kinds of situations. At those times we must be sure to stay focused on, and obedient to, HIM. Getting sidetracked causes one to miss out on the best that God has for us. Remember to always stay close to Jesus.
This is the last chapter of Acts. Please come back again tomorrow to this blog for some follow up comments. Also, this blog will continue. Not as a discussion on Acts, but other topics of interest (at least of interest to me). Let’s stay connected in this form as well as other ways we know each other. Remember, come back TOMORROW.
It’s hard to believe that we have reached the end of this book. When we started it looked like a large project to get through. But then, day by day, we have come to the end. It reminds me of what has been said about eating an elephant. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
How do you get through a book of the Bible? A chapter at a time. Maybe even several verses at a time. How do you get through the Bible? One book at a time. By consistent reading and study, it is possible to learn much. I trust that this exercise in Acts will help you to be a reader of the Bible. I trust that it will help you to be a student absorbing the truths of God’s Word. There is so much more to what is proclaimed than simply passing words before your eyes to say you have read it. In this Divine text we find simple truths to guide. We also find deep principles of life to take us through all the challenges we face.
What do we find in chapter twenty eight? We find the end of the journey for Paul that started in Jerusalem and ended in Rome. We left him in a shipwreck at the end of the last chapter. They all made it to the Island of Malta where they were well received by the people who lived there. A few interesting things happened.
The first was when Paul was helping out gathering firewood so they could get warm. A poisonous snake jumped out of the pile of wood and bit him. The people saw that and immediately thought he must be a murderer. Their mentality of justice said that, even though Paul survived the shipwreck, he must be guilty so the gods are getting him. Paul didn’t panic, he simply shook of the snake and kept working. When he didn’t die, then the people thought he was a god. Paul was trusting God for His protection. He knew God promised him to be with him and he simply accepted it. Good lesson here.
The second event worth noting was that the leader of the island, Publius, had a sick father. Paul went to his house and prayed for him. God healed him. Paul was always ready to minister to anyone anywhere. Even though he was a prisoner there, even though he was falsely accused, he was always open for an opportunity to minister for the glory of God.
They all had to winter at Malta. Eventually they got on a ship and made it to Rome. At Rome he was allowed to rent a house and live in it under house arrest. He invited the local Jewish leaders to come in for discussion. He had good discussion and teaching time with them. Some became believers in Jesus.
Paul was in Rome under house arrest for two years. The wheels of justice moved very slowly. Many came to see him and he preached boldly and without hesitation. Luke doesn’t say it, but it is assumed from history that Paul was eventually acquitted of the charges.
Luke very abruptly ends the discourse. There is no, “well, that’s all folks” or anything like that.
I want to ask you to think about what we have read this month. Can you think of some things you have learned? What did you see about how they functioned as the early church? What have you seen that will work in your life today?
While they were human with all their human failures and weaknesses, they lived in the power of God. The presence of the Lord was evident as they faced many obstacles. Many times it was – if God doesn’t come through, we’re sunk. We face those similar kinds of situations. At those times we must be sure to stay focused on, and obedient to, HIM. Getting sidetracked causes one to miss out on the best that God has for us. Remember to always stay close to Jesus.
This is the last chapter of Acts. Please come back again tomorrow to this blog for some follow up comments. Also, this blog will continue. Not as a discussion on Acts, but other topics of interest (at least of interest to me). Let’s stay connected in this form as well as other ways we know each other. Remember, come back TOMORROW.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Acts Twenty Seven
Acts Chapter Twenty Seven
There are only two more chapters in the book of Acts. I think this time has gone by quickly. Thanks to all who have been following along with this blog. Please note that this blog web site existed before I started using it to write about Acts, and will continue afterwards. Please be sure to check on February 1 for some more thoughts.
Now, chapter twenty seven.
This chapter would make a great TV special. Coming, Friday night, the story of shipwreck and intrigue. Will the criminals make it to trial? Did the military guards fail in their mission? Will all 276 on the ship survive? Don’t miss it. Friday night at 9.
After the long and drawn out debacle that started with a mob scene in Jerusalem, murder pacts, political games and languishing for two years in Caesarea, Paul is finally sent on a journey to Rome. We don’t know the exact setting in Caesarea, we don’t know exactly how much freedom Paul had there. There is speculation that he was held right near the Mediterranean Sea. There are ruins of a major building right on the shore and there is speculation this is where he was held. If he had a window view it would have been an amazing location. I’ve seen the location and it is beautiful. He was finally ready to head across those waters.
After all the political games and legal jokes played on Paul, he was given to the custody of a centurion named Julius for transfer to Rome to make his appeal to Caesar. This would be a long and arduous journey. It started out fine and Julius was kind to Paul. He allowed friends to provide for him along the way. They passed through a variety of ports. Eventually their trip started to slow down because they were dependent on wind to move the ship along. The shipping season was winding down and they had to find a safe port for winter.
This trip was not one where they bought a ticket and had a guaranteed time of arrival. It was a journey at the whim of wind and wave. It would take a long time. We are spoiled these days with travel options that can take us any where.
They reached a point where they were way behind what they should be. Travel was slow. Paul warned that they needed to stay put for the winter as it was getting too risky to travel. The place where they were was not good for the winter, so they thought they would try to make it to Phoenix.
When it looked like the weather was giving them a break, they took off. Soon the dangerous winter storms hit and they began to fight for their lives. Luke records that at one point some had given up hope and expected to die.
This was not just a quick storm and then it passed. It lasted for two weeks. Eventually everything was lost, the wooden ship was torn to pieces, and they all had to survive and make it to an island. There were those on the ship who wanted to kill all the prisoners being transported, but that was prevented.
I have a hard time imagining what this must have been like. I have seen bad storms. I have been at and on the ocean. Those wood ships were not that big and were propelled by wind. They had two weeks fighting the storm 24 hours a day. Then it hit a sand bar and broke up. Everyone grabbed for a piece of the ship and hung on.
Why was Paul on the ship? Lies told about him. There was a strong spiritual battle to keep him quiet about Jesus. Often the spiritual battles are hard and mean. Spiritual battles have caused many Christians to give up. Not Paul. This is the man who wrote:
For me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying – while that’s better yet. (Living Bible)
The New Living Translation puts it this way.
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Philippians 1:21
Just think, Paul’s purpose in his daily life was that it continually provided an opportunity to do something for Jesus. Storms at sea? Shipwreck? People trying to kill him? Yes. Besides, he had an amazing retirement plan for eternity.
Opportunities for Christ. That’s the way to live.
There are only two more chapters in the book of Acts. I think this time has gone by quickly. Thanks to all who have been following along with this blog. Please note that this blog web site existed before I started using it to write about Acts, and will continue afterwards. Please be sure to check on February 1 for some more thoughts.
Now, chapter twenty seven.
This chapter would make a great TV special. Coming, Friday night, the story of shipwreck and intrigue. Will the criminals make it to trial? Did the military guards fail in their mission? Will all 276 on the ship survive? Don’t miss it. Friday night at 9.
After the long and drawn out debacle that started with a mob scene in Jerusalem, murder pacts, political games and languishing for two years in Caesarea, Paul is finally sent on a journey to Rome. We don’t know the exact setting in Caesarea, we don’t know exactly how much freedom Paul had there. There is speculation that he was held right near the Mediterranean Sea. There are ruins of a major building right on the shore and there is speculation this is where he was held. If he had a window view it would have been an amazing location. I’ve seen the location and it is beautiful. He was finally ready to head across those waters.
After all the political games and legal jokes played on Paul, he was given to the custody of a centurion named Julius for transfer to Rome to make his appeal to Caesar. This would be a long and arduous journey. It started out fine and Julius was kind to Paul. He allowed friends to provide for him along the way. They passed through a variety of ports. Eventually their trip started to slow down because they were dependent on wind to move the ship along. The shipping season was winding down and they had to find a safe port for winter.
This trip was not one where they bought a ticket and had a guaranteed time of arrival. It was a journey at the whim of wind and wave. It would take a long time. We are spoiled these days with travel options that can take us any where.
They reached a point where they were way behind what they should be. Travel was slow. Paul warned that they needed to stay put for the winter as it was getting too risky to travel. The place where they were was not good for the winter, so they thought they would try to make it to Phoenix.
When it looked like the weather was giving them a break, they took off. Soon the dangerous winter storms hit and they began to fight for their lives. Luke records that at one point some had given up hope and expected to die.
This was not just a quick storm and then it passed. It lasted for two weeks. Eventually everything was lost, the wooden ship was torn to pieces, and they all had to survive and make it to an island. There were those on the ship who wanted to kill all the prisoners being transported, but that was prevented.
I have a hard time imagining what this must have been like. I have seen bad storms. I have been at and on the ocean. Those wood ships were not that big and were propelled by wind. They had two weeks fighting the storm 24 hours a day. Then it hit a sand bar and broke up. Everyone grabbed for a piece of the ship and hung on.
Why was Paul on the ship? Lies told about him. There was a strong spiritual battle to keep him quiet about Jesus. Often the spiritual battles are hard and mean. Spiritual battles have caused many Christians to give up. Not Paul. This is the man who wrote:
For me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying – while that’s better yet. (Living Bible)
The New Living Translation puts it this way.
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Philippians 1:21
Just think, Paul’s purpose in his daily life was that it continually provided an opportunity to do something for Jesus. Storms at sea? Shipwreck? People trying to kill him? Yes. Besides, he had an amazing retirement plan for eternity.
Opportunities for Christ. That’s the way to live.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty Six
Acts Chapter Twenty Six
Paul was brought in before King Agrippa who had entered the room with great pomp and ceremony. He entered along with other leaders who showed how important Agrippa was. As Paul was given opportunity to speak, he gave another account of his conversion and ministry, a history of his life and beliefs.
I assume you have read or plan to read this chapter. Instead of any more specific review of the details, I want to take the opportunity to direct your thinking to a few specific verses in this chapter. Chew on some thoughts. Maybe you will have a few of your own you will want to post them on the blog. Please feel free to do so.
V. 19 So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
Here is an important statement for all believers. I did what God called me to do. I was obedient to God. Please grasp how important obedience is to God. The Bible reveals that God fully expects obedience from His children. Think about what God has revealed in the Bible and what He has spoken to your heart. Then live your life so that you, too, can say, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.”
V. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Proclaiming repentance. Turn to God and prove that you are the genuine article by the life and lifestyle you live. Repentance. Turning around and going the other way. Repentance is not only sorry that you got caught, but sorry that you did “it” and don’t plan to do it again. Paul preached repentance, get your life turned around. I am convinced that our modern world desperately needs to be challenged with repentance. People need to know that their lives are going in the wrong direction and they need to turn to Jesus. Like Paul, the church today needs to not be afraid of declaring the CHANGE THAT JESUS WILL MAKE.
V. 22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
In his speech, defense before Agrippa, Paul again declared the resurrection of Jesus. Agrippa was very familiar with everything Paul was saying, Festus was not. Festus said that Paul was crazy because of all his education. Who would believe the resurrection? There are those who would say the idea of the resurrection is insane. Paul defended it. The king knew Paul’s background and education. Paul’s continual reference to the resurrection shows how important it was. It is still important. Never doubt it and never be afraid to proclaim it.
V. 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
As I read this I don’t see anything that is specifically saying, “King, you need to get saved”. Because of the king’s background, Paul stated to him he believed the prophets, he was sure of it. The power of Paul’s speech and the convicting power of the Holy Sprit, caused the king to respond this way. Some translations have Agrippa saying that Paul almost persuaded him to be a Christian. While it is not up to us to convince someone to believe, we must have strong convictions that we will do all we can to persuade, point people to a personal relationship with Jesus.
V. 29 Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
Paul boldly spoke that, yes, he really did want Agrippa and all who were there to be just like him, simply not in the chains. He wanted them all to know the joy of having Jesus. He wanted them all to get past the spiritual blindness and bondage and know Jesus. Nothing was more necessary and important.
Do you believe that? Do you believe that the most important ingredient and decision in life is to make Jesus Lord and Savior of your life? Do you believe that is true for EVERYONE IN THE WORLD? Think about that.
Paul was brought in before King Agrippa who had entered the room with great pomp and ceremony. He entered along with other leaders who showed how important Agrippa was. As Paul was given opportunity to speak, he gave another account of his conversion and ministry, a history of his life and beliefs.
I assume you have read or plan to read this chapter. Instead of any more specific review of the details, I want to take the opportunity to direct your thinking to a few specific verses in this chapter. Chew on some thoughts. Maybe you will have a few of your own you will want to post them on the blog. Please feel free to do so.
V. 19 So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
Here is an important statement for all believers. I did what God called me to do. I was obedient to God. Please grasp how important obedience is to God. The Bible reveals that God fully expects obedience from His children. Think about what God has revealed in the Bible and what He has spoken to your heart. Then live your life so that you, too, can say, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.”
V. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Proclaiming repentance. Turn to God and prove that you are the genuine article by the life and lifestyle you live. Repentance. Turning around and going the other way. Repentance is not only sorry that you got caught, but sorry that you did “it” and don’t plan to do it again. Paul preached repentance, get your life turned around. I am convinced that our modern world desperately needs to be challenged with repentance. People need to know that their lives are going in the wrong direction and they need to turn to Jesus. Like Paul, the church today needs to not be afraid of declaring the CHANGE THAT JESUS WILL MAKE.
V. 22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
In his speech, defense before Agrippa, Paul again declared the resurrection of Jesus. Agrippa was very familiar with everything Paul was saying, Festus was not. Festus said that Paul was crazy because of all his education. Who would believe the resurrection? There are those who would say the idea of the resurrection is insane. Paul defended it. The king knew Paul’s background and education. Paul’s continual reference to the resurrection shows how important it was. It is still important. Never doubt it and never be afraid to proclaim it.
V. 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
As I read this I don’t see anything that is specifically saying, “King, you need to get saved”. Because of the king’s background, Paul stated to him he believed the prophets, he was sure of it. The power of Paul’s speech and the convicting power of the Holy Sprit, caused the king to respond this way. Some translations have Agrippa saying that Paul almost persuaded him to be a Christian. While it is not up to us to convince someone to believe, we must have strong convictions that we will do all we can to persuade, point people to a personal relationship with Jesus.
V. 29 Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
Paul boldly spoke that, yes, he really did want Agrippa and all who were there to be just like him, simply not in the chains. He wanted them all to know the joy of having Jesus. He wanted them all to get past the spiritual blindness and bondage and know Jesus. Nothing was more necessary and important.
Do you believe that? Do you believe that the most important ingredient and decision in life is to make Jesus Lord and Savior of your life? Do you believe that is true for EVERYONE IN THE WORLD? Think about that.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty Five
Acts Chapter Twenty Five
At the end of chapter 24 – the story was left hanging again. I hate to tell you this, but chapter 25 doesn’t finish it either. Paul had already been held without evidence for two years. The case dragged on. When Paul stood before Felix, he probably felt that Paul was not guilty of the charges, and yet he delayed his decision. He should have released him. He was trying to gain favor with the Jews and so he kept an innocent man in prison. Felix eventually returned to Rome and Festus replaced him as Governor.
Upon his taking the governing position, the Jewish leaders came to Festus and again brought their charges against Paul. They requested Paul be brought to Jerusalem for a trial. Their real motivation was to have an opportunity to kill him along the way. Instead they are invited to Caesarea for the trial.
Charges are again brought against Paul. Now they had a problem, the charges were two years old. They had a hard time having witnesses and putting a case together.
Paul again declared that he had done nothing against the Law. V. 8. Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
Again, Paul declared his innocense. One wonders how many time he would have to say that.
We saw political games with Felix. We now see them again with Festus. Read V. 9.
9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
Paul refused to play the game and go back to Jerusalem for some kind of a trial. He finally used his rights as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar.
A few days later King Agrippa arrived in Caesarea. In talking about Paul and his situation with Festus, he said he wanted to meet Paul and hear his story. So, on to chapter 26. As we have been saying, more tomorrow.
We don’t know exactly what Paul’s attitude was over all of this. God had warned him of the things coming up. He knew he would have to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Paul pressed on serving the Lord from a prison cell. Again, I encourage you to think about this – pressing on in the face of impossible situations.
At the end of chapter 24 – the story was left hanging again. I hate to tell you this, but chapter 25 doesn’t finish it either. Paul had already been held without evidence for two years. The case dragged on. When Paul stood before Felix, he probably felt that Paul was not guilty of the charges, and yet he delayed his decision. He should have released him. He was trying to gain favor with the Jews and so he kept an innocent man in prison. Felix eventually returned to Rome and Festus replaced him as Governor.
Upon his taking the governing position, the Jewish leaders came to Festus and again brought their charges against Paul. They requested Paul be brought to Jerusalem for a trial. Their real motivation was to have an opportunity to kill him along the way. Instead they are invited to Caesarea for the trial.
Charges are again brought against Paul. Now they had a problem, the charges were two years old. They had a hard time having witnesses and putting a case together.
Paul again declared that he had done nothing against the Law. V. 8. Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
Again, Paul declared his innocense. One wonders how many time he would have to say that.
We saw political games with Felix. We now see them again with Festus. Read V. 9.
9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
Paul refused to play the game and go back to Jerusalem for some kind of a trial. He finally used his rights as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar.
A few days later King Agrippa arrived in Caesarea. In talking about Paul and his situation with Festus, he said he wanted to meet Paul and hear his story. So, on to chapter 26. As we have been saying, more tomorrow.
We don’t know exactly what Paul’s attitude was over all of this. God had warned him of the things coming up. He knew he would have to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Paul pressed on serving the Lord from a prison cell. Again, I encourage you to think about this – pressing on in the face of impossible situations.
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