An Encouraging Advocate

Christian Commitment
in Today's World
 
Acts 9:23-30 (The Message)
 ^23-25After this had gone on quite a long time, some Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul got wind of it. They were watching the city gates around the clock so they could kill him. Then one night the disciples engineered his escape by lowering him over the wall in a basket.
 ^26-27Back in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn't trust him one bit. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus' name.
 ^28-30After that he was accepted as one of them, going in and out of Jerusalem with no questions asked, uninhibited as he preached in the Master's name. But then he ran afoul of a group called Hellenists—he had been engaged in a running argument with them—who plotted his murder. When his friends learned of the plot, they got him out of town, took him to Caesarea, and then shipped him off to Tarsus.

For Reflection
The Christ event lives its incendiary life years beyond Christ's death and resurrection.  Even today, Christ's message ignites controversy.  Then, as today, the Lord intervenes.  He makes the paths straight.  He lays low the mountains of opposition.  He protects.  Think today about how He has protected you in the face of controversy in His name.

Pray for the Lord's protection.  Pray for your savior's constant advocacy on your behalf.  Pray for confidence in your faith that overrides fear and opposition.