Have Bible – Will Travel

Have Bible – Will Travel

Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. – Acts 9:15

2 Corinthians 11:23-28

 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.

 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes.

 25 Three times, I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once, I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.

 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.

 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

 28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.

“Have Gun – Will Travel” is a beloved American TV series that was broadcast on CBS from 1957 to 1963. Set in the Old West, it intrigued viewers with its mix of action, drama, and thoughtful themes. As a trailblazer in the Western genre during the 1950s and 1960s, the show left a lasting impression on the television industry.

The series centers on Paladin, a refined and cultured gunfighter portrayed by Richard Boone. Paladin is a professional gunslinger, detective, and problem solver, traveling wherever his skills are required. Unlike the typical Western hero, Paladin is well-educated and has a strong appreciation for classical literature, fine arts, and gourmet food. His business card, featuring the phrase “Have Gun – Will Travel,” captures his readiness to take on challenges.

What made “Have Gun – Will Travel” stand out was its clever storytelling and deep character development. The show frequently addressed social issues and moral dilemmas. Paladin was a complex character, guided by honor and principles, using both his intellect and his revolver skills to solve problems.

The series had a significant impact on both the Western genre and television storytelling as a whole. Even decades after its final episode, it remains a landmark in TV history. Its influence is seen in the way modern Westerns and action series focus on character depth and intricate narratives. The themes of justice, morality, and the human experience continue to resonate with today’s audiences. Its enduring influence proves that great storytelling and compelling characters are timeless.

The Ballad of Paladin

Johnny Western

Have gun will travel, reads the card of a man

A knight without armor in a savage land

His fast for gun hire heeds the calling wind

A soldier of fortune is a man called Paladin

REFLECT & PRAY

In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. – 2 Corinthians 6:4

Father, may we seek to serve You as devoted, chosen instruments. Give us courage and strength to face resistance and overcome suffering wherever You may send us.

INSIGHT

Some 1900 years before, there was Paladin, the mythical hero from the old West; there was Paul, the Apostle. The stories regarding Paul’s life and many letters he wrote became part of the New Testament Scriptures.

Paul the Apostle, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Roman citizen and a devout Jew. Initially, he did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah of Israel. In fact, he considered belief in Jesus, who had died a criminal’s death by crucifixion, to be a dangerous threat to the Jewish faith. He sought to eliminate early Jewish followers of Jesus. However, everything changed in the blink of an eye when he encountered the living Christ on the road to Damascus.

He realized that the Lord Jesus Christ was alive. He was resurrected from the dead. Paul accepted Him as his Savior and Lord. His new Master gave him a commission to spread the Christian faith. Saul of Tarsus was now Paul, the servant and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. What an incredible reversal: from persecutor to promoter.

Paul made several missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, where he established churches and shared the teachings of Jesus Christ with both Jews and non-Jews alike. He also authored 13 books of the New Testament, including notable works such as Romans and Ephesians. Known for his mastery of theology, he addressed critical theological and ethical issues, shaping Christian doctrine on topics like salvation, grace, and faith.

While Paladin aided the oppressed and fought for the cause of justice, Paul comforted the oppressed and fought for the cause of Christ. Paul, too, was a complex character, guided by duty and loyal commitment, using both his intellect and his skills with a sword, the Word of God.

But Paul’s new assignment was amazing! He was commissioned to be the Lord Jesus Christ’s personal representative to the Gentile nations of the world. Yet his calling also had a foreboding, ominous side.

Paul must suffer to make Christ known.

Acts 9:15-16

 15 The Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.”

 16 “And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

The Lord Jesus Christ selected Paul to serve Him. The Greek term translated as “vessel or instrument” is skeuos, which typically means a container, a vessel, or an implement. When skeuos applies to a person, it is equivalent to “someone who serves someone else.” The phrase “my chosen instrument” or “a vessel of choice for me” is a first-century Hebrewism for stating “someone chose a vessel or instrument.” Thus, the phrase means, “I have chosen him (to serve me)” (UBS).

The final phrase, “for my sake,” is an expression of purpose. What is the purpose of Christ’s choice of Paul?

Tannehill effectively encapsulates Saul’s unique calling as depicted in Acts. The Lord selects Saul to serve as a witness to both Jews and Gentiles. His mission will face resistance and entail suffering, yet it promises to bring enlightenment. He will preach repentance. Paul’s message about Jesus will be based on what he has seen and heard.

Acts 9:15-16 emphasizes that those who are willing to face difficulties and endure hardships are the ones capable of sharing the Gospel in a challenging world. As devoted servants of Christ, it is essential to seek not only knowledge and wisdom but also perseverance and strength from Him to remain indefatigable and resilient and not become discouraged in the face of the inevitable suffering experienced by those serving the King.

Ready to travel for the Father?

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© Dr. H 2024