Scripture
11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Reflection
We can only imagine what must have been going on in the mind and the heart of Paul. It’s not like he has lived a “pampered” life since becoming a Christian but this was at another level. He was nearly killed violently three times in the space of two days! If he ever needed assurance, it was now. Jesus speaks to Paul the same thing he said to his friends on a storm tossed boat, “take courage” (Mark 6:50). It was a confirmation that Paul was going in the right direction, God had already said he would be a witness for the gospel in Rome and indeed his course was set. Notice that Jesus did not say Paul was going to have the opportunity to defend himself but to witness for the gospel; there is a difference (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for somewhere in the world that needs God’s attention. Flick to a news app or website, and pick a news story to pray for.
