Jesus On Stand By

This morning found me continuing on in the Book of Acts, chapter 23. Having read this story many times, there is a temptation to sort of gloss over it. Most of us who read the Bible over and over have probably been there. This section seems to be more of a historical record of Paul and his dealings with those who wanted him arrested and even dead. Interesting story but for a student like myself, who looks deeply at the scriptures for the spiritual applications it gives, it’s easy to think there really isn’t much to glean out of this passage.

 

But that is a mistake. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

 

If nothing else is gleaned from this chapter, there is one key verse that must pierce our soul and our spirit. Read.

 

Acts 23:11

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

 

Paul is in the midst of a difficult trial and his very life is at risk. And Jesus stood by Him. Paul is simply to stay faithful to be the witness God has called him to be and he can know, that Jesus is with him and he must take courage.

 

This is a Biblical truth that each and every one of us must lay hold of. We must testify to the facts of the resurrection. As Easter approaches it is a reminder of the resurrection. And if we are Christ’s, then we too, have been resurrected.

 

Romans 6:3-5

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

 

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

 

We have been born again unto new life. We are witnesses to His resurrection by being witnesses to our own resurrection into new life in Christ.

When we share that witness, Jesus stands by us and we can take courage, just as Paul did in Acts 23.

 

The message of Acts 23 is that God is in control, He will move things into place as needed so that we can be His witness, whether in Jerusalem, Rome, or our own hometown.

 

As Easter draws near, let us share the news of the resurrection of Jesus and how because of Him being raised from the dead, so were we. Jesus will be there standing right be your side.

 

6 Attributes of a Christian - Part 2 Courage

The second attribute a Christian should demonstrate in his life, is courage. Certainly, for those who live in countries of severe persecution, courage is a necessary attribute. To continue to worship God in a place where your life is in constant threat of death or imprisonment demands one be brave and courageous. But what about us back here in America? Do we need courage?

The answer is of course, yes, we do. There are plenty of dangers lurking in life, plenty of things that can paralyze us with fear. Sickness, death, terrorism and crime are just a few of the things that can bring fear. Even things that are not life-threatening, such as job interviews and tests at school can scare us. But for Christians there is an added level of things to face, such as witnessing to people and serving in varying ministries. These things can strike fear into us. How about when that opportunity comes for you to pray in public? Even prayer can bring fear.

Once again if we open our Bibles we find that we are commanded not to be afraid. It has been said that there is a “Do not fear” verse for everyday of the year. I don’t know that one can find the exact phrase “Do not fear”, 365 times, but I promise you there are probably more exhortations to not be afraid or to be courageous than any other exhortation.

But there is one fear we are to possess. Fear of the Lord. The overall command of God is that we fear Him and not the things of the world.

Why are we to fear God?

Exodus 20:20
Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."

So that you may not sin. If we lose our reverence and fail to understand God’s position on sin, then we are in danger.

Leviticus 25:17
 So you shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the LORD your God.

And if you think this is just Old Testament stuff that has no bearing on Christians then you are failing to understand the full counsel of scripture.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Jesus would give the best explanation. He gives us the perfect perspective on fear and courage.

Luke 12:4-7
 "I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! "Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”

Fear God. But as to the rest of the things of this world that give us the willys? Do not fear.

But that’s easy for us to say and harder to do. How do we live out life in courage? The answer is to read God’s Word and then believe it. This is what faith is. Read the great stories of the Old Testament and see the promises of God as they were fulfilled.

Genesis 26:23-24
 Then he [Isaac] went up from there to Beersheba. The LORD appeared to him the same night and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham; Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and multiply your descendants, For the sake of My servant Abraham."

Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you [Joshua]? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Isaiah 41:10
“'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Notice the promise, “I am with you.” “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go." This is not only an Old Testament promise; It is a promise to Christians as well.

Hebrews 13:5-6
 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

When Jesus gave us the Great Commission, he added on a reminder of this promise. He knew that for one, we would be fearful in the act of witnessing.

Matthew 28:20
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Bible is replete with promises, promises that should embolden us to live as He calls us to. We need fear nothing, as long as we are in His will. We can have courage. But it must be courage that is based on Him and not us. I leave you with God’s Word on this.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Do that and there is no reason to fear. Do that and you will have the courage you need to face every challenge that ever comes your way.