Assignment Rome
Day 525, Sunday, Jan. 18
Acts 22:30 – 23:22
The protection offered by Rome is a mixed blessing.
The military commander in Jerusalem is now actively protecting Paul from the plottings of the Jews who oppose him and want to kill him, but his freedom of movement is now limited.
The commander first sends Paul to the Sanhedrin in an effort to find out exactly what charges they have against him. When there, Paul insists he has been faithful. “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” In spite of that, Paul angers some of his hearers, and a group commit to killing him.
Paul’s nephew hears of the plot and gets word to the Roman commander.
God can use all of these happenings for his purpose. God speaks to Paul and says “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.
The story that began in a backwater client state is about to send its greatest spokesman to the heart of the empire.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Sunday meditation

Psalms 66:13-20
I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you—vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble. I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats.
Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Prayer focus
Use even opposition, God, to spread your kingdom.