Ambush

The reading for today is quite exciting, like something from an action adventure film.  Picture this, Paul is in prison and his nephew just happens to overhear of a plot to kill his uncle.  The nephew informs Paul of the trouble that is brewing and Paul sends the lad to see the commander and share the information.

"But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.Then  Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him." (Acts 23:16-17)

Meanwhile more than 40 men are waiting to ambush Paul and kill him.  These men have taken an oath not to eat or drink anything until they are successful.  

As Christians, we must be careful not to be ambushed by Satan; we must be alert to danger around every corner.  We have been promised our place in Heaven and we can trust God to fulfill that promise but, just because we are His doesn't guarantee a safe and pleasant journey.  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Paul was promised by God that he would get to Rome again, so he recognized the coincidence of his nephew being in the right place at the right time, as God ordained.  Are there times in our lives when it is obvious God's hand is all over something?  Be alert to danger, "But take heart! I have overcome the world." 

Read the Acts 23:12-22 text here.