February 16, 2020: SOAP #3727:  Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
…23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”

Observation:  It is interesting to me how God used the Roman government for His glory.  First, the tax that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.  The crucifixion (Acts 4:28). The arrest of Paul by the Romans protected Paul from the Jews.  The peace of the Rome (Pax Roma) allowed Paul to move freely to spread the gospel.  The later imprisonment of the Romans gave Paul the impetus to write much of the New Testament as letters to churches. And the Roman government provided Paul’s transportation to Rome where God told him he would go.

Application:   Application:  I must always walk in faith that God can provide for me to do what He has assigned me to do.  He can, and He will, and He does!   We do not read of Paul’s complaining because God used wooden ships and a Roman escort to get him to Rome.  At that time, it was the best mode of transportation.  In the past God used the US Navy; now God is using school bus driving and the internet to provide for His will in my life.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I trust you to take care of me and provide for me.  Your ways are much higher than my ways.  I know I can count on Your Faithfulness.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!