God's Glory Church

“And the next night, the Lord stood before him and said: “Be of good cheer! For as you testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” — Acts 23:11

Nora joined the peaceful protest because she was concerned about justice. As planned, the demonstration was silent. Protesters passed through the city center in complete silence. However, then two buses arrived, from which agitators from another area jumped out. A riot soon broke out. With a broken heart, Nora left the demonstration. It seemed that the good intentions of the protesters were for naught.

When the apostle Paul came to the Jerusalem temple, he was seen there by “Asiatic Jews” who opposed him (Acts 21:27) and perceived the preaching of Jesus as a threat to their own way of life. Shouting false rumors about Paul, they quickly made a fuss (vv. 28-29). The crowd dragged Paul out of the temple and began to beat him. Soldiers came running.

During his arrest, Paul asked a Roman officer if he could address the crowd (vv. 37-38). When he was allowed, he spoke in his own language, surprising them and attracting their attention (v. 40). This is how Paul turned rebellion into an opportunity to share his salvation story (Acts 22:2-21).

Some people like violence and strife. However, do not lose heart. They will not win. God is looking for courageous believers to share His light and peace with our despairing world. What seems like a crisis can be your opportunity to show someone God’s love.

Have you been in a crisis situation from which you could not find a way out? How do you think the Holy Spirit can help you find wisdom in what to do at a time like this?

Heavenly Father, my heart aches for our broken world. Help me to realize that the presence of Your Spirit is much stronger than any attack from the sinful world.

Author: Tim Gustavson