Week 43 - The Journey Apostle Paul
"So they arranged a day with him and came to his lodgings in great numbers. From early morning until evening, he expounded his position to them, bearing witness to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus from the law of Moses and the prophets. Some were convinced by what he had said, while others did not believe. Without reaching any agreement among themselves they began to leave; then Paul made one final statement. "Well did the holy Spirit speak to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, saying: Gross is the heart of this people; they will not hear with their ears; they have closed their eyes, so they may not see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.' Let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." Acts 28:23-25, 27-28
Held Captive. The freedom of Christ and the captivity of a hardened heart. I sit with Paul in his freedom as he is held captive during his time in Rome. The circumstances of his life are beyond his control for this is where God has him. Yet in this physical captivity Paul is completely free. Those that come to visit him are given the choice of freedom thru Christ or to continue in their self imposed prison of a hardened heart.
"If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him." Romans 6:8. "As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God."
Romans 6:10. Paul's freedom is found in Christ, his life is Christ's life. The situations of his everyday life are all gifts from God as he is living in the righteousness of Jesus. We as well can learn from Paul's captivity. "No longer I, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20. Paul lives out his faith and it is his example that gives us strength. Be held captive by Jesus Christ.
What is God saying to me? You are learning even in the circumstances.
Dear Father, I am blessed to be hear, to be able to sit at Your feet with Paul and look at truth in action. You are the Keeper of my soul and it is You that I lean upon for understanding. Thank You Father for the gifts of this day and the grace that is found within prayer. May my own commitment to Jesus be wholehearted and generous as St Paul's was. Prayers for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to those that are seeking them. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
No comments:
Post a Comment