February 26, Shortcuts
Today’s Journey Through Acts excerpt is:
Shortcuts
Once again, Paul was given the opportunity to testify about the events leading up to his arrest, this time in front of King Agrippa. Paul's testimony was consistent. He retells his conversion story to King Agrippa, knowing that Agrippa had insight into the culture and practices of the Jews. He laid out the foundation before the King, built upon it with personal experience, and arrived at this final conclusion in verses twenty-two and twenty-three:
"So I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
That is the summation of the Gospel: Christ came, He suffered, and He rose from the dead. The good news is that this light has been proclaimed into our lives. Due to the sacrifice of Christ and the subsequent work of the disciples and apostles, we have been given an opportunity to experience the goodness of Jesus. Their resolve perpetuated a story that continues to change lives even today. As this chapter draws to a close, King Agrippa makes a statement that seems to be a summation of that resolve:
"This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
In short, Paul could have taken an easier way out, but chose to remain committed to God's plan. There were no shortcuts taken in establishing the church. As you and I take our part in the plan of Jesus, we should be encouraged to remain faithful to the Word and the leading of the Spirit. When you are presented with shortcuts around the plan that God has for you, allow the Spirit to confirm in you a resolve to remain steadfast. Both you and those who come after you will benefit from your commitment.
In our home, we often talk about "The Law of Showing Up." Put simply, it has been our experience that when you remain faithful and keep "showing up" to a situation, sooner or later, breakthroughs happen.
Reflect on the journey:
Has God placed you in a particular situation where you're struggling to see anything significant come to fruition? Take some time today to consider how you can remain steadfast in those matters. Whether it be in prayer or practical life, resist the urge to take a shortcut. You will see God's faithfulness.
Through your prayer time today:
In Isaiah 50:7, the prophet spoke about the coming Messiah:
"But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame."
Take time to pray today that the Holy Spirit would give you the same resolve to stick to the plan He has laid before you and see it through to the end.
