A Little R and R Anyone?

Acts 19:21-22

New International Version (NIV)

After all this had happened, Paul decided[a] to go to Jerusalem,passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

We have only two verses to address this morning, so there must be a deep meaning here.  Reading the words over a few times, I am struck by two thoughts.  First, we seem to be stepping out of one dynamic and into another. The opening line, "After all this had happened..." indicates lots of activity.  Reviewing the first 20 verses of chapter 19 reveals the 'all'.

First Paul encounters about 12 men and learning they had not been baptized of the Holy Spirit, he baptized them. His next stop had Paul preaching in a meeting place where opposition arose and Paul. Paul then moved to a new location and continued to spread the Good News of Jesus all over Asia; to Jews and Greeks alike. This kept him busy for two years.

Paul finds himself in the midst of controversy and danger as he faced sorcery and exorcists and evil spirits, all in a day's work for this faithful follower. This brings up my second thought. When learning about Jesus' ministry we often read about how he would get away to pray.  Jesus sought solitude so that he could recharge his spirit and reconnect with his Father.

Paul must have done likewise, we just don't read about it. The two verses today cover more than a two year time span. I have to assume Paul had a daily down time.  Do you?  Do you have a time set aside to regroup and begin or end your day in communion with The Father?

The only way Paul could have accomplished all he did is if he was being fed.  We need the same nourishment if we are to continue Paul's work here and now.

Acts 19:21-22