And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. Acts 23: 12-13
Paul’s foes knew a thing about commitment. Anytime forty plus people band together and agree to give up all meals for your downfall you’ve got problems. Today some would look at that and say, “Well if that many say he needs to die, he must be guilty”. That’s not necessarily the case and it certainly wasn’t for Paul.
Yeah, you might have a few jealous folks around you. Some enemies who’d sabotage your reputation or attempt to take your spot. But, are they so entrenched in eliminating you they’d go through similar lengths?
Most people aren’t committed to their own health let alone the downfall of another person. But every now and then, someone is dead set on destroying you. That co-worker who makes your meetings miserable, a classmate who takes competition too serious or the church member spreading salacious information about you.
Paul didn’t make it out of his perilous situation on his own accord, and neither can we. When your back is against the wall and the fight has weakened you, that’s when you need to turn to God. The fruit of His lips will lift you up and fight the battles you don’t have the strength for anymore.
Today’s deliverance is tonight’s testimony. When there’s a bounty on your head, God has the ransom on speed dial. Make the call and let Him do the rest.
Dear God, we pray that you emancipate us from the clutches of evil plots and detractors. This world seemingly has more wicked and unjust ways than we can account for and we acknowledge your ultimate grace and protection. We desire to be more committed than the evil that permeates our presence. Hallelujah and Amen!
