February 21, 2020: SOAP #3732:  Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 28:16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him…
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation:  This verse gives another parallel between Paul and an Old Testament character.  Moses was provided a place of safety to grow in Pharaoh’s house, the very Pharaoh who ordered the killing of all the Israelite baby boys.  Here in the New Testament we find that the government that conducted the crucifixion of Jesus rescued Paul from those who wanted to kill him.  Then Rome kept him safely in jail for two years.  And above we read that as a prisoner of Rome, for two more years, Paul, in his own rented house, and with a soldier to guard him, welcomed all who came to see him!

The opposition Paul had faced on his missionary journeys was gone!   He was free to preach.  He preached ‘boldly and without hindrance!”

Application:   I wonder how many times I have let limitations hinder me from doing God’s will.  If I am totally surrendered to God, I should let my faith cause me to rise above the limitations.  Limitations do not change God; limitations should not change me; limitations only change opportunities.  I may not be able to witness here, but I can there.  I may not be able to do something now, but I can do it later, and I can do something else now.  I may not have enough money to buy everyone a Bible, but I can speak to people what God has done for me.

Prayer:  Lord, I am your servant.  I trust you to provide the necessary resources.  And when I do not have enough, the Holy Spirit will show me where the door is open. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!