TOPIC: A REAL MARTYR?
MEMORISE
And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus (Acts 9:29, 30).
READ: Acts 9:26-43
[26]. And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.
[27]. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
[28]. So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.
[29]. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.
[30]. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
[31]. Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
[32]. Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.
[33]. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.
[34]. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.
[35]. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
[36]. At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.
[37]. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
[38]. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
[39]. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
[40]. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
[41]. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
[42]. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.
[43]. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
EXPOSITION
As we read about the early ministry of Paul, we cannot help but notice that wherever he went, people wanted to kill him. Why was this so? He was a fanatic Pharisee but turned a passionate christian. Perhaps, they saw him as a traitor. We see similar situations today, where new converts from other religions, are attacked because of their new found faith. Such converts to Christianity are targeted with dangerous things, even to the extent of attempting to take their lives. And, of course, some of such converts have been martyred
But why did the apostles send Paul off to Tarsus? Why not let Paul keep speaking in Jerusalem, trusting God to protect His holy servant? Could it be that Paul himself needed some soul-searching on how to declare the Gospel with wisdom and humility? Have we come to think of it that the fact that every time we speak about Christ, and people want to kill us doesn't mean that we are doing the right thing? In 1 Peter 3:15 we are called to share the gospel with gentleness and respect. Instead of trying to force God's truth down people's throats, we need to learn how to discern if he or she is open to drinking the Water of Life. Don't try to force it on them. Instead, persuade them about the Gospel of Christ, and go back to talk to God about them. He knows how to convict, convince and convert them in His own time and way. Saul (Paul) remains a wonderful example.
We persuade; God converts! If you are the kind who like to argue about any and every thing (including your faith), be reminded that not all martyrs are martyrs.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 814
1. Storms do not alarm me,
They Sometimes must cease,
Trials cannot harm me, for I have
blessed peace;
All I've left behind me, I long for no more
Chorus:
Better things shall find me on
Canaan's shore.
Let those who will stay in Egypt land,
I am bound for Canaan,
Where milk and honey flowing,
Shall every need supply;
Peace and joy my portion,
My soul shall rest on its shore by and by.
2. Troubles do not fret me, they cannot abide.
Though they may best me, in
Jesus, I will hide,
All the world's commotion about me may roam,
There's no stormy ocean on
Canaan; shore.
3. In grace abiding am trying to stay.
In the shadow hiding of Canaan's perfect day
AlI trust may fail me, 'twill matter no more.
Nothing can assail me on
Canaan's shore.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, give me boldness to share my faith with wisdom and humility everywhere.
2. Grant, O Lord, that opponents of Your Gospel will come to the Light of salvation.
3. Dear Lord, awaken Your Church to the preaching of the gospel, even in hostile places.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Proverbs 2:10-5:14
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 2023){kind=link}