SATURDAY January 27, 2024

Try Though They May

Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him.
Acts 25:1-3

It amazes me that Paul faced prosecution even though he had done nothing wrong. Earlier, he had been presented before the Jewish council to testify while under the jurisdiction of Felix, the Governor of Judea. However, a new governor had taken his place, Festus, who favored the Jews. It seems though that he did not want to use his authority against Paul. He became indecisive in his decision against him, knowing that he had done nothing wrong––nothing that warranted the sentence of death.

Paul preached the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and this subject made him an enemy of the Jews. They hated him with a passion and made up false accusations against him, in hopes of getting him sentenced to death by the Romans. Yet not leaving things to chance, they planned an ambush. If they succeeded in persuading Festus to send Paul to Jerusalem to stand trial, they could kill him along the way.

Paul became fed up with the Jews’ court trickeries and eventually appealed to Caesar. He was through playing games. He had no idea they were plotting to kill him on the road to Jerusalem, and unknowingly, he thwarted their plans. Try though they may, these Jews would not succeed in their plans to kill Paul. Why? God’s plan overruled theirs––Paul was destined to go before Caesar to testify of Christ. God’s will would be done. Man could not interfere.

It hurts tremendously when people come together to bring false accusations. Even though you may not be guilty, false accusations can stain your name and character. People often do not realize what damage their little tongues can do! Perhaps you are going through a situation like this in your life. Never feel abandoned by God; He is always there before you. Man cannot interfere with God’s plans for your life.

“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
~Job 42:2 NIV~

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