Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Acts 23:12-22 (NIV)
The Plot to Kill Paul
12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” 16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.” 22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
By sending his nephew to the commander is Paul showing a lack of faith in God’s promise? Why or why not?
I don’t think Paul showed a lack of faith, I think he saw Gods hand at work to allow a way out of his imprisonment when there seemed no way out. God allowed for Paul’s nephew to be in the right place to overhear the plot and defeat those people in way of one would have expected.
Lord you are so faithful, you will always make a way for me to fulfill the work you want me to do. You will strengthen me against the evil one always. Lord keep my eyes open that I might see your hand in everything. Some days it’s not easy to see you at work, my mind and heart get distracted and discouraged by so many things I don’t seem to understand. Keep reminding me Lord that your eye is on the sparrow… how much more you care for me and that I can rest in your love. Amen
(today’s prayer submitted by Jo Schneider)