Dr H Reflections

Gently correct – enduring evil ∙

Gently correct – enduring evil ∙

The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. – James 1:20

2 Timothy 2:23-26

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient when wronged.
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

The story is told of Luca, a 30-something young man who had lived in a new neighborhood for several months. He tried to get to know his neighbors. But everyone seemed too busy to do more than stop and talk for a minute or two. Jim, one of his neighbors, came over. He asked to borrow his truck. Luca was a bit miffed, thinking to himself, Jim didn’t have time to talk to me, and now he wants to borrow my truck. That’s pretty audacious.

But rather than being rude and obnoxious, Luca simply said that his truck’s tires were nearly bald, and he was afraid to let anybody drive it.

The next day, Jim visited with Luca and mentioned that he was getting new tires for his SUV. He told Luca he could have his old tires. He only needed to go by the tire store, and they would mount them for him. Luca was a little bit ashamed, but he was genuinely grateful. He thought to himself, “What a magnanimous act of kindness.”

Luca went to the tire shop and identified himself. They took his truck and told him to relax in the waiting room. When they came to get him, he was shocked to discover that they had mounted brand-new Michelin tires on his truck. Luca was puzzled and a bit concerned about the mistake that they had made. He asked where the old tires from Jim’s car were.

The shop manager said, “Jim used the story about the ‘old tires’ to get you to come into the shop. Jim bought you a brand-new set of tires as a gift.” Luca went from being a little bit ashamed to very, very ashamed. He had to rethink his attitude toward his neighbors. Someone he hardly knew was so kind to him. Luca realized that he should be kind to others in the same way. He needed to learn to restrain his unspoken critical thoughts and words.

As children of the King become more and more familiar with the Truth found in the Word of God, a strange thing happens. They begin to see themselves as correctors of others. They seek to instruct those lacking in knowledge or immature in the faith. It often becomes their mission in life to “fix” others.

Paul recognizes similar traits among learned Jewish people. They saw themselves as correctors of the foolish and teachers of the immature (Romans 2:20).

The reality is that most people don’t want to be “fixed.”

But the question is, how does the Father want the children of the King to help others and coax them to faith and maturity?

REFLECT & PRAY

“The most admirable quality among people is when we pause and think of something to say, without ripping others to shreds (even if they deserved it)” (Efrat Cybulkiewicz).

Father, teach me to be tolerant and calm rather than reactive to others’ ideas and thoughts. Encourage me to realize that Your ways are different from mine.

INSIGHT

Paul shows the way. Some conversations are useless and only lead to fights. Be selective and choose your battles carefully. What really matters and what does not? And if you engage, will the outcome be beneficial or ineffectual?

2 Timothy 2:14 [Do] not to wrangle about words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
2 Timothy 2:23 Again, I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

2 Timothy 2:24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient when wronged.
2 Timothy 2:24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil (ESV).

The first part of the verse is pretty straightforward. Children of the King are encouraged to be kind. They are not to start quarrels or fights. A provocative, striking, and totally unpredictable appeal is at the end of the verse.

The Greek term anexikakos is translated in very diverse ways: patient when wronged, patient, not resentful, and patient with difficult people. These translations focus on the corrector, not those corrected. It’s all about their reaction when they speak to others. They must be tolerant and patient without becoming angry or upset as they contend with others. The translations attempt to mitigate the correctors’ emotional response.

But that is not what the Greek term anexikakos means. Anexikakos comes from the Greek words anecho – to bear, tolerate + kakos – evil, bad. It actually means to endure or tolerate evil. Children of the King are to be put up with evil, that is, to bear evil without resentment.

Instead of retaliating or intensifying our attempts to “correct” those who are misguided or lack information, we are encouraged to hold back, respond with kindness, and patiently present the truth.

What a shocking contrast to Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:9 to abhor what is evil.

Somehow, it just doesn’t seem right. But it is right. When we attempt to bring people from darkness to light, we do not attack the darkness. Instead, we illuminate the darkness with light. The objective is not to correct the theology or doctrine of others. It is to lead them to a greater understanding of the Father’s Truth and allow the Truth to persuade them.

Why would Paul teach such an apparently paradoxical method? Paul understood that true transformation occurs not through forceful correction but through the gentle revelation of truth. If anyone could persuade others with powerful argumentation, it was Paul. He explains,

1 Corinthians 2:2-5

2 For I decided that while I was with you, I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.
3 I came to you in weakness – timid and trembling.
4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.
5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

James adds: Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. – James 1:20

Therefore, Paul instructs the children of the King to speak and act in a manner that may seem foreign to our natural instincts.

2 Timothy 2:25-26

25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

“It’s easier to treat people properly than to repair broken relationships” (Frank Sonnenberg).

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Peace before war! ∙∙

Peace before war! ∙∙

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down, and a time to build up. A time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Deuteronomy 20:10-12

10 As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace.
11 If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor.
12 But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town.

The original Latin phrase “If you want peace, prepare for war” comes from the book Epitoma Rei Militaris by the Roman general Vegetius. This work is regarded as the foremost military treatise in Western history.

Vegetius noted that even before the Roman Empire’s decline, its army’s quality was deteriorating. The decay of the military came from within. He argued that prolonged peace led to idleness, causing soldiers to abandon their armor, making them susceptible to attacks and prone to flee from battle.

Vegetius’ quote suggests that preparing for war is crucial during peaceful times, as a strong army can deter potential invaders by signaling that an attack may not be worthwhile (N.S. Gill). As Douglas MacArthur said, “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”

Abraham Lincoln once urged, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds . . ..” Abraham Lincoln emphasized the importance of forgiveness and kindness towards everyone, including former adversaries, while consistently striving for what is morally right. It underscores the need for unity and healing to repair the divisions caused by conflict.

Francis Bacon wisely noted, “This is certain, that a man that studies revenge keeps his wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.” In a world filled with adverse events, from serious offenses to minor slights, we have a choice: we can either respond with anger and seek revenge, or we can choose forgiveness and focus on doing good.

The Bible clearly outlines the path we should follow, urging believers to act as peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). At first glance, this directive might seem daunting, even unrealistic. When we first hear the scriptural imperative and let it soak in, our initial reaction is, quite frankly, something like, “You gotta be kidding me!” But the Father is not kidding. He is not providing advice and counsel. He is telling us how to live. We are never to return evil for evil; instead, we seek peace and conquer evil with good. The Father’s admonition applies both to warfare and everyday family disputes.

Romans 12:17-21

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.

20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Paul is both idealistic and realistic. He recognizes that despite the best efforts of the Father’s children to live in peace with others, others will frequently make it impossible. They simply want what they want when they want it on their own terms. They prefer aggression (passive or active) and hostility.

In fact, throughout history, taking an absolute stand for the Lord Jesus Christ as the only way to come into a right relationship with the Father often arouses enmity, open opposition, and hatred. Why? Because the Lord Jesus Christ is hated!

John 15:18 If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.

REFLECT & PRAY

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18

Father, I would much rather be a peacemaker than a warmonger. Yet revenge lurks within my heart. Encourage me to do what is right.

INSIGHT

The Father commissioned ancient Israel to conquer and take over the promised land. But they were supposed to do so in a specific and distinct fashion that we may consider very strange, almost bizarre. Two strategies were involved; for cities outside of Canaan, a diplomatic offer of peace was proposed. The enemy city was given a chance to surrender and commit to personal service to the Israelis. The alternative was certain death. If the people accepted the terms, the city and its inhabitants would be spared.

Whoever heard of making war by first offering peace? The answer is, of course, the Father.

Deuteronomy 20:10-12

The Old Testament serves as a window into the cultural practices of its time, particularly through the lens of Suzerain Treaties during the conquest of Canaan. These treaties were designed not to view neighboring peoples as foes but to embrace them as friends and allies. Rather than pursuing a path of destructive conquest, this approach emphasized peaceful integration. This technique showcased the Father’s merciful and redemptive heart and nature.

These treaties or contracts were established between two parties: one more powerful, known as the Suzerain, and the other less powerful, referred to as the vassal. This dynamic is reflected in the Mosaic Covenant. God the Father acts as the Suzerain and guarantees the welfare and safety of His people. They, in turn, commit to recognizing Him as their sovereign Lord, pledging their loyalty and submission. This arrangement bears a resemblance to the feudal systems of medieval Europe, where vassals pledged allegiance to their lords in return for security and support.

The Father’s dealings with ancient Israel provide a blueprint for the children of the King to emulate in their relationships with others. Instead of seeing adversaries as foes, we are encouraged to view them as potential friends and allies. Our initial response should be diplomacy, reflecting God’s approach of mercy and reconciliation. Actively pursuing peace and harmony is essential. Forgiveness and kindness should take precedence over antipathy and contentiousness.

As Romans 15:4 reminds us, the Scriptures were written to instruct us, offering hope and encouragement as we patiently await the fulfillment of God’s promises. When we experience God’s forgiveness and mercy, He equips us with abundant grace to extend to those needing it.

Ephesians 4:32 directs us to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving to one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us. As peacemakers, we embody our identity as children of God, fulfilling the call outlined in Matthew 5:9.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

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A divine perspective ∙∙

A divine perspective ∙∙

I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. – Philippians 1:12

Philippians 1:12-14

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.

14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much bolder to speak the word without fear.

Ancient Rome was a brutal military society infamous for its ruthless battlefield tactics and harsh treatment of prisoners. Roman jails were notoriously hellish, with conditions that were often cruelly inhumane. These containment facilities—ranging from dark caves to cramped cells and subterranean pits—were almost entirely devoid of light. Prisoners found themselves shackled to walls, posts, or even their guards, with chains serving as instruments of confinement and control.

Yet, for many Christian prisoners, these chains became symbols of profound freedom and opportunity. They transcended societal and class barriers, transforming adversity into a means of spreading the gospel. Such was the experience of Paul, whose imprisonment was divinely orchestrated to advance the message of Jesus Christ. His chains allowed the truth to reach new and uncharted territories.

As Barclay noted, “Paul was a prisoner—but, far from his imprisonment ending his missionary activity, it actually expanded it for himself and for others. In fact, the chains of his imprisonment destroyed the barriers.” Instead of succumbing to despair, Paul dedicated his chains to the Father, setting into motion a history of hope and redemption.

Every child of the King can find inspiration in Paul’s story, realizing that the Father can repurpose our personal struggles and limitations in remarkable and unbelievable ways. These challenges can be transformed into powerful opportunities to further the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, turning personal prisons into platforms for His divine purpose.

By custom and law, Paul was chained to a Roman soldier every hour of the day, with the guard shifts changing every six hours. While it seemed that Paul was the one imprisoned, in reality, each soldier was Paul’s prisoner, held captive to hear and consider Paul’s profound teachings. There was no way for them to escape the Truth. Paul shared the Truth about the Lord Jesus Christ daily with four soldiers.

I can only imagine how they felt —another day listening to the insightful words of that wise old Jewish rabbi who radiated an unusual peace, assurance, and inner light. Words that once seemed like fanciful myths and fairytales suddenly resonated with undeniable truth, illuminating their understanding.

In the darkness, these hardened Roman soldiers, accustomed to a life of harsh brutality, saw the light. Many who were sheep belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ answered His call and placed their faith in Him. The transformative message even reached the elite Praetorian Guard and extended to officials in Caesar’s court, touching members of Caesar’s own household, including soldiers, slaves, and freedmen.

As noted in Philippians 4:22, “All the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.” This shows how Paul’s chains provided unique access and opportunities that would have been impossible otherwise, advancing the kingdom in unexpected ways.

Paul’s imprisonment did not close doors; it opened new avenues for ministry and outreach. As Barclay suggests, “Paul’s imprisonment, far from shutting the door, opened the door to new spheres of work and activity.” His chains were instrumental in spreading the gospel, as reflected in Philippians 1:12.

His chains served to advance the gospel (Philippians 1:12). The Greek word that Paul uses, translated as advance, is prokope. Prokope means to go forward and make progress. It comes from the Greek verb prokopto from pro – before or forward, and kopto – to cut, strike, and impel. “It is the verb used for cutting away the trees and the undergrowth and removing the barriers which would hinder the progress of an army” (Barclay).

REFLECT & PRAY

Life often presents us with challenges that appear chaotic and overwhelming. Yet, within these “messes,” the Father is actively at work, weaving purpose and growth. This is a central message of the Bible, reminding us that our trials are not without meaning (Matt Chandler).

Father, grant me Your perspective on the experiences You bring into my life. Help me to see obstacles not as barriers but as opportunities to advance Your kingdom.

INSIGHT

Paul wanted all children of the King to know a fundamental truth. There are no coincidences or accidents in the Father’s Kingdom. Paul desired and prayed to go to Rome for many years, and now he was there. Considering what he had been through before, I imagine that for Paul, his imprisonment was an all-expenses-paid vacation that included room and board. He was a prisoner under house arrest. But he was also safe and not likely to be stoned, shipwrecked, or lashed anytime soon. There were no more angry confrontations with rebellious and defiant political and religious leaders. Everyone in Rome who came in contact with the apostle Paul heard the truth regarding the Lord Jesus Christ. His imprisonment served as an object lesson demonstrating that life’s challenges can serve a greater purpose in the Father’s magnificent, eternal plan.

Paul’s imprisonment in Rome was not because he was a criminal or a lawbreaker. He was there for the Lord Jesus Christ. It was part of God’s divine plan for him to spread the gospel. He was in chains because that was precisely where the Lord Jesus Christ wanted him to be (Philippians 1:13). All in Rome who came in contact with Paul heard a love letter from the Father addressed and fashioned just for them.

How did Paul occupy his time? Paul immersed himself in activities he cherished: prayer, evangelism, and writing. With all his needs met, he embraced his circumstances, transforming adversity into a blessing that nourished the souls of many. He was having the time of his life. Given lemons, rather than complain, Paul made lemonade that quenched the thirst of needy souls.

No doubt he recalled over and over again the words of Joseph, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Paul had a divine perspective. His most significant concern was that the Father’s kingdom and the message of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ would advance. He was now front and center on the world’s biggest stage, in the capital city of the Empire of Rome. This was an opportunity for him to fulfill his calling as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was the apex of a life well-lived in service to the Father.

Despite his circumstances, Paul remained thankful and content, perpetually rejoicing. His letter to the Philippians radiates joy and reflects his mindset: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Philippians was perhaps his most joy-filled letter.

Paul embodied unwavering hope, showcasing that genuine contentment emerges when we harmonize our aspirations with the divine will of the Father. By wholeheartedly embracing His intentions as our own, we open ourselves to deep, transformative joy—the kind that radiates from knowing we are fulfilling a greater purpose. This alignment not only enriches our present lives but also offers us the profound assurance, referred to as the “blessed hope,” of eternal life in His presence, as beautifully expressed in Titus 2:13.

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Escape from slavery ∙

Escape from slavery ∙

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . .. If the Son sets you free, you are truly free. – John 8:32,36

Romans 6:14-17

14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!

16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

17 Thank God! Once, you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

The vile institution of slavery stands as a grim testament to the depths of human malice and selfishness. Achieving liberation from such bondage represents a monumental and uplifting victory for anyone who endured its cruel grasp.

In the era preceding the American Civil War, thousands of enslaved individuals embarked on perilous quests for freedom. Many fled under the cover of night, relentlessly pursued by “slave catchers” with their ferocious bloodhounds. Although many were recaptured, some devised remarkably clever strategies to escape. One notable example is Henry “Box” Brown, who ingeniously mailed himself to freedom inside a wooden crate.

In 1848, Ellen and William Craft executed one of the most daring and imaginative acts of self-liberation. Their escape plan involved hiding in plain sight. Ellen, a fair-skinned woman of mixed race, disguised herself as a young, ailing white man of wealth. William took on the role of her attentive servant. Together, they embarked on a four-day train journey from Macon, Georgia, to Philadelphia.

Ellen embodied the persona of a privileged yet unwell Southerner. To enhance their ruse, William meticulously trimmed Ellen’s hair to neck length. She donned a stovepipe hat, tinted glasses, and facial bandages. To further solidify the disguise, Ellen placed her right arm in a sling, cleverly avoiding any expectation for “him” to sign documents at hotels or elsewhere.

The Crafts’ journey to freedom is a testament to the extraordinary ingenuity and courage of those who dared to defy their chains. It remains an inspiring chapter in the quest for human dignity and justice.

In a moment of fervent prayer, Ellen and William Craft took a daring leap towards liberty. Their journey to freedom was marked by stays in some of the finest hotels, yet each step was fraught with close calls and tense moments that could have led to their capture. Reflecting on their experience in their 1860 book, “Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom,” they credited their courage, quick thinking, a bit of luck, and the guidance of “our Heavenly Father” for their safe passage.

Upon reaching Philadelphia, Ellen and William were warmly embraced by the abolitionist network, receiving the support and shelter they needed. In 1850, they made their way to England. After two decades, they returned to the United States to establish a school in Georgia for newly freed African Americans, contributing to the education and empowerment of their community.

The atrocity of enslaving others is a profound human failing, mirrored by the equally debilitating spiritual slavery to sin. Many remain unaware of this bondage, a universal condition stemming from humanity’s fallen nature. Yet, there is hope and liberation through Jesus Christ, who came to free us from the shackles of sin, enabling us to serve the living God.

The scriptures affirm, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32) and, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36). These words remind us of the profound freedom found in truth and faith.

REFLECT & PRAY

When we are liberated in Christ, sin no longer holds sway over our lives.

Father, we are grateful for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, who declared the Truth so clearly, enabling Your children to break free from the shackles of sin and serve You wholeheartedly.

INSIGHT

Many who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are under the illusion that they are genuinely free. To them, embracing Christ seems like surrendering to bondage and losing autonomy. But is this perceived freedom genuine? The Scriptures unequivocally reveal the reality that nothing could be further from the truth. Sin is depicted as a master that enslaves those who submit to it. Embracing Christ does not impose captivity; instead, it offers real freedom from the oppressive rule of sin.

Romans 6:16 teaches us a profound truth: the one you choose to obey becomes your master. When individuals give in to sin, they become slaves, with sin taking the role of their master. However, when people place their faith in Jesus Christ, they are liberated from the bondage of sin and become servants of Christ, as noted by Wiersbe. This transformative shift signifies an exchange of masters, where “servitude to sin is replaced with servitude to God,” as explained by Mounce.

The inherent fallen state of humanity means being born spiritually dead in sin, a seemingly paradoxical notion. Yet, this was the reality for all believers before encountering the redemptive power of faith. Through Christ, the shackles of sin are broken, and believers are brought from spiritual death to life, now serving a new and righteous master.

Ephesians 2:1 Once you were dead in the trespasses and sins

Being dead in our trespasses and sins is akin to living as slaves to sin—a genuinely dismal existence. Yet, the Lord Jesus Christ came to liberate us from this bondage, offering us the chance to escape sin’s enslavement once and for all (2 Peter 2:20).

Galatians 5:1 reminds us that Christ has truly set us free.

In this newfound freedom, the Father extends a radically different way of living to every child of the King. Instead of being bound to sin, we are invited to choose a life of righteousness. As Paul explains, there are only two masters: one is sin, and the other is obedience [to God]. There is no possibility of living without an allegiance to one or the other” (Mounce). Nicoll echoes this sentiment by stating that true independence for humanity is unattainable; our very nature compels us to serve a master. Thus, we are encouraged to serve righteousness, embracing the freedom and purpose offered through a life dedicated to God.

Many who do not share the Christian faith mistakenly believe they are truly free in their current state. They fear that accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior would cost them their freedom. However, this perception is flawed. In reality, they are not free but are bound by sin. By embracing faith and becoming children of the King, they do not lose freedom; instead, they undergo a profound transformation. They exchange the oppressive master of sin for the liberating service of the Father, finding true freedom and purpose in a life devoted to God.

Romans 6:14-17

14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

17 Thank God! Once, you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

The Romans grasped the transformative idea of being liberated from the chains of sin. By embracing this profound truth, they transitioned into becoming slaves to righteousness. This freedom from sin does not suggest that they were void of a sinful nature or that they ceased committing sinful acts. Instead, it signifies liberation from sin’s overpowering control over their lives, allowing them to live with a newfound purpose and alignment with righteousness, as MacDonald indicates.

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Asking for directions ∙∙

Asking for directions ∙∙

The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. – Exodus 13:21

Acts 16:6-10

6 Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.

7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.

9 That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”

10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.

Years ago, in the era before GPS became our reliable navigator, Bob embarked on a journey to visit his new friend, Tom. Tom’s home was perched atop a lofty hill, nestled deep within a dense forest, accessible only by a maze of country roads. The path was a labyrinth of gravel tracks, driveways, and nameless routes, all blending indistinctly into one another. At ground level, the way forward seemed a bewildering maze.

Yet, from his vantage point atop the hill, Tom had a clear view of the landscape. Spotting Bob’s car from afar, he took to his cell phone, offering precise directions. With Tom’s guidance, Bob was able to discern the right turns at the correct times, navigating through the confusion with ease.

This journey mirrors the way our Father guides each of His children. He has a unique plan for every one of us, constantly aware of our position within the vast tapestry of life. From His omniscient perspective, He employs a myriad of methods to direct us toward our predetermined paths, ensuring we reach our divine destinations.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

To experience the Father’s guidance requires three things from us.

We need confidence that the Father knows what He is doing.
We need to ask Him for directions and guidance.
We need to learn to listen and follow instructions.

REFLECT & PRAY

At times, we find ourselves entangled in our own stubbornness, choosing to forge our paths rather than seek guidance from the Father. It’s all too easy to overlook the help He offers, missing opportunities for His wisdom to lead us.

Father, I trust in Your love and know that You have my best interests at heart. Help me to become more receptive, to open my heart to Your guidance, and to depend on You for direction in my life.

INSIGHT

The Father masterfully orchestrates opportunities, opening and closing doors as part of His divine plan. Some opportunities are time-sensitive and require prompt action. On the night that the Lord Jesus Christ was born, what would have happened if the shepherds had disregarded the angelic messenger (Luke 2:8-20)? Or the story of the good Samaritan; what if he had ignored and passed by the robbed and beaten man (Luke 10:30-37)?

The Father doesn’t always reveal everything at once. Instead, He encourages us to depend on Him, guiding us moment-by-moment and step-by-step. Through this continuous reliance, we are invited into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. Sometimes, He leads by putting up stop signs that are intended to get us to pause, reflect, and trust in His perfect timing.

Acts 16:6 The Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.

Acts 16:7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.

Paul and his companions crafted a thoughtful strategy for spreading the gospel and making disciples, yet they remained ever-attuned to the Spirit’s lead. The Father desires a harmonious blend of our planning with His divine guidance (Stanley).

In His sovereign wisdom, the Father had a definite plan in mind. He intended for Paul to journey westward into Europe rather than eastward into Asia. The Holy Spirit decisively closed the paths leading east and north, twice redirecting their course.

Pause for a moment and consider that they were actually prevented from preaching the gospel in certain areas. How could this be? The Father’s eternal plan operates on divine priorities. His guidance became unmistakably clear through a vision given to Paul—a Macedonian man standing and pleading for help.

Acts 16:9 captures this pivotal moment: That night, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia in northern Greece, who stood pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”

This narrative underscores the essential alignment of human intentions with divine direction, showcasing how, sometimes, what seems like a closed door leads to more significant roles in the Father’s expansive plan.

The Father operates with impeccable timing, crafting ideal circumstances and guiding each child of the King to their destined place.

Consider the Ethiopian eunuch who had journeyed to Jerusalem to worship and was now on his way back home. He traveled in a chariot spacious enough for him to sit and read as someone else navigated. Engrossed in a scroll of Isaiah, the eunuch sought wisdom and understanding, his heart yearning for insight. Recognizing this silent prayer, the Father orchestrated a divine encounter by sending Philip, directed by an angel.

Acts 8:26 recounts this divine intervention: “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’”

This story beautifully illustrates how the Father’s guidance and perfect timing to realize His grand design. As Philip approached the Ethiopian, the Holy Spirit spoke to him again.

Acts 8:29-31

29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

30 So Philip ran to him, heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

31 And he said, “How can I unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The Ethiopian was reading about the suffering servant in Isaiah 53.

Acts 8:34-35

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus.

In a transformative moment, the Ethiopian eunuch embraced faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and eagerly asked Philip to baptize him. Philip complied, and after the baptism was completed, something extraordinary happened—the Holy Spirit suddenly took Philip away. The details of this miraculous departure remain a mystery, but they carry a deeper significance.

As described in Acts 8:39, “And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.”

While roadblocks and bumps along the way can be confusing and challenging, His detours are actually the fastest and most direct paths to bring us exactly where He wants us to be. Each “detour” aligns with His perfect plan.

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