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]
