TUESDAY January 16, 2024

Presenting the Problem

When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.
Acts 23:33-35

After the Roman commander concluded his letter to Felix, he brought Paul about 35 miles into the area of Caesarea (Acts 23:30-32). This area is one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean. Paul and the accompanying letter were given over to Felix the governor to review.

Once Felix read the commander’s account, he decided to hear the case at a later date when his accusers, the Jews, had also arrived. Here again, God brought about a divine delay, as Paul remained under house arrest and had to wait until another court date to plead his cause.

For two years, Paul was imprisoned there while he waited to see what God would do. However, he was able to do ministry while chained to a Roman soldier who guarded him. Every four hours the guard changed, so many came to a personal knowledge of Christ. Paul also wrote letters.

Later, by the will of God, Paul would be sent to Rome to stand before Nero. At this time knowing he faced death, he wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, his final last words that have become a most beautiful legacy:

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV).

How would you like those words etched on your tombstone? Read them again and make them personal to you. Know this: In heaven, there is in store for you the crown of righteousness. There is a crown for all those at Calvary Chapel who love His appearing! What a promise to each of us individually. I can hardly wait! I wish the Lord would come back tonight!

If Jesus were to return today, do you know if He would take you with Him to heaven?
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!