Closer to God

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
 

This was a very powerful moment in Paul’s life.  I know you realize that by the time Paul begun his ministry, Jesus had already ascended into heaven.  Now, as Jesus “stood near,” at least twenty to twenty-two years since the resurrection and eighteen to twenty years since Paul’s conversion (Acts 9), his three years in Arabia (Gal. 1:16b-18), and two missionary journeys (roughly 36-54 A.D.) before he was now in custody.  But Now! Jesus stood beside him.  

Then, as now, to desire Jesus to stand by your side, as he did with Paul, is not only a longing, but a moment when He pours out encouragement to you, acknowledges your witness of Christ, and tells you what to do next.  Yes, the Lord has expectations of you.  That’s what the Lord Jesus did for Paul in the above verse. 

So how does that come about?  The Lord fulfills such an intense bond when through prayer and worship as you turn yourself and determine to be in His presence.  Then you are empowered to carry out his work – this requires being in tune with God’s Spirit. 

But where does it begin?  Let God become intimate, drop you shield – the excuses for being afraid and ignoring His holy presence and voice (that whisper you hear).  Allow God’s spirit to manifest through you as you never thought could happen.  Fear keeps you from doing God’s will; you are afraid to do what God has asked.  Remember, you cannot claim the Scriptures if they don’t guide you. 

 

Paul lived and reminds you, as a Christ follower, “we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:12-15).

Trembling and yet closer to Christ’s will,

Owen <><