Unstoppable
Text: Acts 28:11-31
Theme: The book of Acts’ final entry shows Paul still at his mission.
Key verses: “It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island–an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods as its figurehead” (v. 11). “There we found some believers, who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us…When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God. When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier. Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them..” (v. 14-17a). “I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel–the Messiah–has already come” (v. 20). “So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: ‘The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet, ‘Go and say to this people: When you hear what I say, you will not understand…'” (v. 23-26a). “So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.’ For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him” (v. 28-31).
What I believe God said to me: Son, these days saying anything to you has been challenging. You’ve not been a good listener. You sit down and read my Word every morning, but your mind is often somewhere else. You are distracted by messages and likes on social media. You are thinking about what you need to do and who you need to talk to. Who you need to talk to is me. I’m the only one you need to focus on at the start of your day. I will show you who else to talk to. I will open and close doors and lead you along pathways for my name’s sake each day. But you must come back to careful, disciplined listening. The enemy is shrewd and deceptive. He’ll cause you to think all these other activities and thoughts are needed, when the only real need you have is to listen to me and obey my voice. I expect better from you. Now, regarding this last passage in Acts, I have a few things I want to point out to you. But we don’t have the time right now to unpack it all. You have a meeting in 12 minutes, and your mind is being pulled toward it rather than this devotional time. Come back when you can focus longer.
What I said to God: Father, I am so regretful that I’ve been distracted. Please forgive me for making it difficult to talk with me and commune with me as friend with friend. I know that’s what you desire to do. How blessed am I that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords wants to abide with me and converse with the likes of me. I am truly among all men most blessed. I look forward to hearing and writing down what You have to show me in this closing passage about Paul. I want to learn from Paul’s life and example. I know You will show me and shape me ultimately into Your Son’s image. Thank You for Your mercy and grace.