May 3, 2012 - Acts 23:22

            “The commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him, ‘Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.’”  Acts 23:22.

            There was a secret plot by some zealots who made a pact to not eat or drink until Paul was killed.  This plot was overheard by a young man, who immediately went to the commander of the Roman guard to warn him of the imminent killing.  The commander exhorted the young man to keep completely silent about this report, as he didn’t want word of the plot to escape.  Was it a coincidence that this young man was in a location in which he could hear of the plot without being seen?  While the young man was there for a different reason, God had him there for His reason.  Being at the right place at the right time for the right reason can be significantly rewarding.  Certainly for Paul, this was true.  This young man was used to save his life while placing his own on the line.

            These threats to Paul’s life sound somewhat abstract to me.  It is hard for me to really understand this, as I don’t believe that my life has ever been threatened because of my belief in Jesus.  Yet, I believe that part of the adventure God has called me to involves not holding onto the reins of my life too tightly.  I believe God has called me to move out of the safe confines of my religious circles and to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit to direct me while I negotiate this risky world we live in.  This young man demonstrates that kind of boldness, as does Paul.  This anonymous young man placed his own life in jeopardy in order to save Paul’s.

            Questions to consider: Are you getting bored or frustrated by staying safely in your religious circle?  If so, how do you sense God is leading you to join the risky adventure of truly following His Holy Spirit?  Are you still holding onto the reins of your life too tightly?  How do you let them go, and surrender yourself into God’s hands?

            Prayer: Father, it is a frightening thing to release my life into Your hands.  Yet, I’ve seen, time and again, examples of people whom You have used in wonderful ways, and I desire that for myself.  Please help me to make that step, and to continue to make that step, to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You.  Amen.