Post by Zac Loh on Jun 5, 2010 12:53:23 GMT -5
To Be Freed From God’s Purpose
Acts 26:32
Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:32)
At Acts 23:11, Jesus appeared to Paul. From then, Paul knew beyond a shadow of doubt that he was destined to serve God’s purpose in Rome.
The Jews mob assassins planned to murder Paul and waited for Paul to be freed so that they can have a free hand outside of Roman military protection. They waited a long time for an opportunity to take his life.
As a consequence, Paul probably discerned that by appealing to Caesar, it would ensure that he arrive at Rome, under the escort of Roman soldiers. This he did, even though he knew that he might be subsequently executed (which apparently did actually happen). So Paul had to go to Rome in chains.
The question is, will we rather be freed and missed God’s purpose, if we were in Paul’s shoe?
Once we decide to live to serve God, we will be tied down. We can’t live as freely as we want. We have an obligation to live a life worthy of our calling. We are imprisoned by design, because we restrain ourselves from indulgences which might compromise our testimony. We discipline ourselves and regiment our bodies, as volunteer soldiers subject to orders and control of the King of kings. We are love bond slaves.
Five times Paul wrote that he was the prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was premeditated. It was deliberate. It was voluntary.
Do you prefer to be set free or be in chain in order to serve God’s purpose? All of us have a choice to make, each of everyday of our lives.
Paul didn’t have to appeal to Caesar. He could have remained in Caesarea to fight his case. He had a chance to win, and to gain his freedom. He could attempt to evade murder, to escape to live a life of his own.
God’s purpose is at the door, today.
Let us make a good decision. Let us discern God’s will. Let us take the right step.
Acts 26:32
Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:32)
At Acts 23:11, Jesus appeared to Paul. From then, Paul knew beyond a shadow of doubt that he was destined to serve God’s purpose in Rome.
The Jews mob assassins planned to murder Paul and waited for Paul to be freed so that they can have a free hand outside of Roman military protection. They waited a long time for an opportunity to take his life.
As a consequence, Paul probably discerned that by appealing to Caesar, it would ensure that he arrive at Rome, under the escort of Roman soldiers. This he did, even though he knew that he might be subsequently executed (which apparently did actually happen). So Paul had to go to Rome in chains.
The question is, will we rather be freed and missed God’s purpose, if we were in Paul’s shoe?
Once we decide to live to serve God, we will be tied down. We can’t live as freely as we want. We have an obligation to live a life worthy of our calling. We are imprisoned by design, because we restrain ourselves from indulgences which might compromise our testimony. We discipline ourselves and regiment our bodies, as volunteer soldiers subject to orders and control of the King of kings. We are love bond slaves.
Five times Paul wrote that he was the prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was premeditated. It was deliberate. It was voluntary.
Do you prefer to be set free or be in chain in order to serve God’s purpose? All of us have a choice to make, each of everyday of our lives.
Paul didn’t have to appeal to Caesar. He could have remained in Caesarea to fight his case. He had a chance to win, and to gain his freedom. He could attempt to evade murder, to escape to live a life of his own.
God’s purpose is at the door, today.
Let us make a good decision. Let us discern God’s will. Let us take the right step.