April 19, 2012 - Acts 23:11

“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’” Acts 23:11.
Paul, having been saved by the Roman soldiers from the volatile and violent crowd, was kept safely in the Roman barracks. That night, Jesus came to Paul in the barracks and stood by him, confirming to him that he was now to head to Rome. Jesus affirmed Paul for spreading the message of the kingdom of God in Jerusalem against great odds. Now Paul was told to take the message to Rome, the center of the Roman Empire! Jesus adds that Paul should “take courage” in his proclamation, as if Paul will need even more courage.
Did Jesus need to come to Paul to confirm his move to go to Rome? I don’t think so. Paul was already focused on going there. I think Jesus had some other reason for coming to Paul. Perhaps it was to prepare him for the hardships he would encounter in the days and months ahead. Jesus may have wanted Paul to know without a doubt that He was going to always be with him, especially in the life-threatening, difficult times to come.
About three years ago, I had an experience with God in which He confirmed His love for me; that He actually loved me, personally! It was a deeply moving and special moment in my life. What I didn’t realize was that I really needed that moment with God to help me get through the last two years of struggle and pain. This moment with God helped me in the dark moments of loneliness, despair, and pain. His love for me has been the comfort that I have needed! I believe that Paul, too, took comfort in Jesus’ appearance to him. I believe it aided Paul when he was feeling weak and in need.
Questions to consider: Have you ever sensed the Lord ever appearing to you? If so, what was it like? Have you ever experienced those dark times when all you had to hold on to was Jesus, and Him alone? Do you know God well enough to know that He is with you, no matter what the circumstance?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your unending, unbridled love for me. I am deeply grateful and totally indebted to You because of Your love. When I start to go my own path of loneliness and self-pity, help me to remember Your love for me and Your presence with me. Amen.