Paul was dragged into the synagogue and asked to answer for his witness for Jesus. When he claimed to have been persecuted for his belief there would be a resurrection of the dead, he created a stir between the Pharisees and Sadducees, who did not believe in a resurrection. Amazingly, the Pharisees were the ones who hated anyone preaching Jesus, but now were forced to defend Paul's position against the Sadducees. If it were not for the Romans physically removing Paul from the synagogue, he'd probably have been killed in the fight between the religious factions.

However, I'm greatly intrigued by what Luke said about Paul's encounter with the Lord after he was removed from the synagogue. He said the Lord stood near him and spoke to him, telling him to have courage and go to Rome, the very people who crucified Jesus.

Courage is only required if a person faces what they feel is extreme danger. Missionaries need courage as does anyone who serves the Lord in a potentially violent place. But I wonder how many of us go out of our way to choose an easy route, avoiding any situation that causes us to place our safety totally in God's hands?

Today, we can trust that God will meet us at the point of our need, especially when we're working in His service. All we have to do is be like Paul and get out of our comfort zone and go wherever God tells us to go. Sound difficult? Listen: if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

1. Pray Through the Word - 365 devotionals on the subject of prayer by James R. Green (Judges 4-5; Acts 23:1-11)
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2005 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved