Reading: Acts 23
Of all the people in the New Testament, Paul was probably the one who had the most difficult time learning to let go of his control.
Paul was competent. He knew what he was doing, and he was a high achiever.
However, people like Paul have a deadly weakness. They would easily assume that they could do it all, without others, and even without God.
This is called arrogance.
But arrogance belongs to the "old normal."
The "one man against the world" hero is probably a romantic cover for "I am the saviour" syndrome. Worse, it may suggest a deep sense of insecurity.
God is kind and gracious. For those who are timid and shy, God may create opportunities for them to stand up by faith. But for people like Paul, God needs to nurture in their heart humility and trust.
Paul needed to learn that he was not in control.
In fact, he did not need to be in control.
When Paul was not in control
In today's reading, Paul stood in a trial before the Sanhedrin. There was such a big uproar that Paul's life was in potential danger. The Roman commander quickly removed Paul and brought him into the military barracks.
Now, my friend, which part of this story was Paul in control?
None!
Later, a group of forty-some Jews conspired to kill Paul. But this plot was discovered by "the son of Paul's sister." (23:16) Thanks to this crisis, we now know that Paul has at least one sibling.
One thing led to another, eventually, this nephew reported the plot to the Roman commander.
Now, tell me, which part of this story was Paul in control?
Again, none!
The Roman commander then sent a detachment of 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen, with a letter to the governor, to escort Paul to Caesarea Maritima! (23:23)
Man! It looks like Ben-Hur. (OK, if you know what I am talking about, you are probably older than me.)
One more time, which part of this story was Paul in control?
None! Zero! Error 404.
Paul was totally passive. He was not in control. In fact, he didn't need to.
Why?
When God was in Control
Because God has already given Paul His Word.
"Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (23:11)
And it did happen exactly this way! Through various twists and turns, Paul did end up in Rome, safe and sound, just as God said!
Paul didn't need to be in control, because God was. And when God is in control, you know you are safe!
Later, when Paul was in Rome, he wrote the Letter to the Philippians. I wonder if he was talking about this experience when he wrote,
"he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Philippians 1:6)
My friend, it may sound strange, but God does shape the environment and works through other people to achieve His purpose in you.
So, be humble. Learn to receive with gratitude.
Reflection:
What happened last time when God used other people to help you when you were not in control? What did that look like? What did that teach you?
Prayer for Today:
Father God,
I struggle with the fact that sometimes I am not in control. I feel useless when it happens. But God, by faith I acknowledge that it is your will to use other people to help me. I need to learn how to receive with gratitude. I need to learn how to trust you. It is truly humbling. Please continue to shape my heart so that I can experience you in an even deeper way.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.