Week beginning Monday 25th May 2009

Acts 25 & 26

I appeal to Jesus!

The plot thickens for Paul as he appears before the next ruling official – Festus, who like all the Roman officials walked the tightrope of cultures between Roman Law and local Jewish customs. Again the aggressors to Paul try to bend the odds in their favour as they seek to manipulate the process towards the evil ends. Evil – in that their intention is not reasonable justice but retributive violence in the guise of justice. How much this still goes on…justice vs maniplation???

Paul uses his “phone a friend’ card and appeals to be seen before Caesar himself – a caviat in Roman Law as a last resort for justice. [An interesting appeal given the future of the justice of future Caesars] But at least in this appeal it takes out the Jerusalem factor and ensures that Paul heads to Rome (which was always his ultimate destination)…Paul says, “I appeal to Caesar!” and escapes violence…for the time being.

How good it is that daily we can “appeal to Jesus” as our saving One, advocate, healer, companion, justice maker, forgiver, empowerer and friend. Paul’s journey is one that I read a am challenged and encouraged by…I/we have our own journey’s to take – one’s that I pray will lead us to lives of witness, truth, grace and love. Be encouraged – at any time you can “appeal to Jesus” and He will bring you to His court for a justice that brings life eternally – now and forever. This is good news. [Prayer - I appeal to you LORD Jesus in my journey. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Let my enemies be thwarted and your purpose for me be fulfilled. In Jesus name. Amen]

Week beginning Monday 18th May 2009

Acts 23 & 24
Paul in the middle of strife keeps his cool and keeps his focus on the main game – i.e. getting to Rome. I think Paul is so cool under pressure. He sets the cats amongst the pigeons (as the saying goes) and cause chaos in the council of the Temple (Sadducees vs Pharisees) – an interesting sideline is that in the church we still have division along the lines of non-resurrection and purity people! Anyway…Paul is very wise in what he does and doesn’t say – a good thing because while in the midst of the chaos life can be very precarious. The Romans come to the rescue and cart Paul away. These two chapters would be great scenes in a movie – mob scenes / rescueing officers / secret messages / midnight manouvers / court scenes / politics and religion in full flight!!! The timing of these two chapters over two years is also a point to note…that God’s timing is always purposeful and God makes good out of bad situations.

For me these chapters encourage me in the jouney of life that God calls us to – their is risk – their is trouble but also that there is purpose and opportunity in the midst of all that goes on. [Prayer - LORD give me the wisdom and courage to take the opportunities that are presented in life whether in the midst of chaos or peace, to witness to the hope and truth of life in Christ. Bless all those who this moment are in prison unjustly or because of their faith in YOU. In Jesus name - AMEN]

Week beginning Monday 4th May 2009

Acts 19
Paul in Ephesus – here is the story of Paul giving two years of service and ministry to a city that is has a different world view to the faith he has received with the mixing and interplay of religion – politics – economics. This ‘Good News’ that Paul was sharing about was perceived to be bad news for the ‘business of religion’ and this upset people. The chapter reveals how civil this city was when conflict erupts and instead of reverting to senseless violence, the leaders brought ‘reason’ to the fore and were able to avert the mob mentality. What a blessing! Many other places would have reverted to violence. I receive a newsletter from ‘Open Doors’ – an agency advocating for and supporting the church around the world that is under severe persecution. I am mindful that in Australia we have much more of an Ephesus worldview and reason is a valued characteristic in our culture. Let’s continue to pray that the violence that is present in our community (mindful that today is Domestic Violence Awareness day) would be eased and reasonable ways of dealing with conflict will further develop. But also like Ephesus, Australian culture takes time to engage with the Good News of Jesus Christ, so this week’s text is reminder of the patience and wisdom needed to share God’s good news. We need a thoughtful and reasoned faith to engage Aussies with – there is so much unreasonable and ill-thought through stuff out there! So let us do what we can and continue the journey. [PRAYER - LORD give me the words and understanding and patience to share truth and hope with your beloved community that healing and freedom may come to all. AMEN]