Introduction

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters. We gather here today, our hearts filled with hope and our spirits eager for the Word of God. Let's take a moment to open our hearts and minds to the divine wisdom that is about to be shared.

Opening Scripture Reading – Our Scripture passage for today is Acts 25:1-12. Let's read: "Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. Festus answered, 'Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.' After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them. Then Paul made his defense: 'I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.' Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, 'Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?' Paul answered: 'I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!' After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: 'You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!'"

Perceiving the Play of Providence

A. Understanding God’s providence does not come naturally. It requires a deep and intimate relationship with God and a willingness to trust in God's wisdom, even when things don't make sense. It requires a commitment to follow God's guidance, even when it leads to unexpected places.

B. Paul's trust in God's providence so deeply in part because of how often God delivered him from danger. He has seen how God has used seemingly negative situations for his good. He has seen how God has turned his trials into testimonies. Trusting God involves making choices that align with God's will. It involves standing up for what is right, even when it is unpopular and speaking the truth.

C. In the midst of his trial, Paul made a bold decision to appeal to Caesar. He knows the risks involved. He knows that it could lead to his death. But he also knows that it is the right thing to do. He knows that it is what God wants him to do. He is not swayed by fear or uncertainty. He is not deterred by the prospect of suffering or death. He is confident that God is in control, that He is working out His divine plan, and that He is using him for His glory.

D. Paul's faith in God's providence is not just inspiring, it’s challenging. It challenges us to examine our understanding of God's providence. It challenges us to trust in God's wisdom, even when we don't understand. It challenges us to follow God's guidance, even when it is difficult. It challenges us to make choices that honor God, even when they are costly.

Assessing the Act of Apostles

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