Timing Matters
Text: Acts 22:24-30
Theme: Paul withheld information until it was the right time to share.
Key verses: “The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so furious. When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said the officer standing there, ‘Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?’ When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked, ‘What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!’ So the commander went over and asked Paul, ‘Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?’ ‘Yes, I certainly am,’ Paul replied. ‘I am too,’ the commander muttered, ‘and it cost me plenty!’ Paul answered, ‘But I am a citizen by birth!’ The soldiers who were about to interrogate Paul quickly withdrew when they heard he was a Roman citizen, and the commander was frightened because he had ordered him bound and whipped” (v. 24-30).
What I believe God said to me: Dwayne, you are too distracted right now, too weighed down by your thoughts and actions. Start by confessing your sins and humbling yourself before me. I can’t speak to you today and commune with you as friend with friend if you aren’t doing whatever I command you. You must be obedient in the smallest of details. You must guard your mind and take captive your thoughts so they honor me. You are clean by the Word I have spoken to you. Read my written Word and heed it today. Now, regarding this passage, the questions you need to be asking yourself are 1) Why did Paul wait so long to reveal his Roman citizenship? and 2) What might have been different had he not waited or not shared that information at all? What part did the revelation and the timing of his revelation play in this story? Mull those questions over, and we’ll revisit this passage at a later time when you’re ready to listen and obey.
What I said to God: Lord, I am truly sorry for my sinful ways and thoughts. Please forgive me today for not being ready to receive from your Word. I know that in Your Word is life and love and wisdom and health. I know that obeying You everyday is my only real mission. Thank You for chronicling the missionary life of Paul so we can glean from his experiences, insights and actions. Please help me be sensitive about when to share what, and when to divulge certain things about me and when to keep my mouth closed. I think that had Paul shared about his Roman citizenship earlier, the Jewish crowd might not have listened so attentively. He might not have been able to identify so closely and relate so well with them. By waiting, he accomplished what he needed–not to be whipped, first of all, and ultimately, to be released. I look forward to learning more from this story! Meanwhile, help me follow You closely today, living a crucified lifestyle and focusing my thoughts on honoring and obeying You.