Audio Version

Rejoice:

Read:

²³ After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, ²⁴ but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. ²⁵ But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

What?! This grand warrior for God who, up until now, was courageously chasing others and persecuting THEM. Now he is cowardly being lowered through a window?! What kind of champion is this? I think that is the mindset we are in when we hear about Christians “cowering” in sight of persecution or “fleeing” when a co-worker oppresses them at work. However, we see here that this is a part of even Saul’s life. Now HERE we do not see the Spirit prompting Saul to flee but in other places we actually see Holy direction to exit speedily.  Passages about suffering for Christ does not mean we haphazardly sprint into the face of our enemies. We STILL need to be directed by the Spirit, and that often (if not always) looks different than our human intellect. Yes, we are called to endure suffering for the sake of Christ. No, we are not called to endure suffering for the sake of our pride… but often will.

Respond:

Father, thank You for being loving even when I am seeking after something that is essentially just my own pride. Thank You for still caring for me and keeping me safe. Help me to see when I am being proud versus listening to You speak. Guide me, use me, and train me to hear Your voice. Amen

Relate:

Hey! Tell someone you love them. 🙂 just because. Unrelated, but I think it’d be nice to reach out to someone today just to tell them you miss them and you care about them. Talk to you tomorrow!