November 13
Bible Reading: Acts 25:9-12
Acts 25:10-11, “But Paul said, ‘I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.’”
There are few guarantees in this world, but when it comes to the will and promises of God, there need be no doubt—God will do as He says. That Paul was destined to be brought safely to Rome was a sure thing, for Jesus had said so (Acts 23:11). In fact, the Lord Himself stood by Paul and encouraged him that way.
Though that matter was settled, the question of how it would happen was not. Paul was on trial before Festus. The Jews wanted Paul dead and were “planning an ambush to kill him on the way” to Jerusalem (Acts 25:3). Festus was inclined to do the Jews a favor and suggested to Paul a return to Jerusalem for the trial. Paul’s response was to exercise his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. Festus granted his request.
A change of venue happens when a trial is moved to a new location. In a high-profile case, that can be granted when it may not be possible due to widespread publicity to get impartial jurors. The court granted a change in venue for the trial of the Oklahoma City bomber for that very reason.
Paul could not have received a fair trial in Jerusalem, but worse than that, they planned to ambush him on the way. But God providentially worked, via Roman law, Paul’s citizenship, and Festus’ verdict, to move Paul’s trial to Rome. Not only was Paul kept safe, but the gospel message also went with him “before the Gentiles and kings” (Acts 9:11).
We might sometimes wonder about the circumstances we find ourselves in, but regarding the promises of God regarding His protection and deliverance, we need not doubt. God will always do as He says.
“Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer, without God’s ordering and permission. There is no such thing as “chance,” “luck” or “accident” in the Christian’s journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God. And all things are ‘working together’ for the believer’s good.” – J.C. Ryle
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath his wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain:
God will take care of you,
through ev’ry day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon his breast,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]
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