The Book of Acts: Chapter 24 (pt 19 of 21)

Believers tend to miss God’s work in their lives because we equate the goodness of God with material prosperity, physical health, and emotional well-being. But Asaph learned that the “nearness to God” was discovered by adversity (Psalm 73:28); that nearness is often realized in the darkest moments of our life. Our Lord was closer to Paul in his confinement than He was during other times. Our Lord drew near to Elijah at a time of dark despair (see I Kings 19). Some are even able to savor the dark days of their lives because of the way God uses adversity to draw people in pain closer to Him.

Before I was afflicted I used to stray off,
but now I keep your instructions.
You are good and you do good.
Teach me your statutes!

Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies,
but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
Their hearts are calloused,
but I find delight in your law.
It was good for me to suffer,
so that I might learn your statutes.
The law you have revealed is more important to me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver —Psalm 119:67-72

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
“Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted —Matthew 5:3-4

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry” —Matthew 11:28-30

Luke simply tells us that thanks to Felix, Paul’s case wasn’t settled, and Paul had to spend two years in prison. I think it is interesting to see the way some commentators have felt obliged, somehow, to “fill in this gap,” with suggestions that he probably wrote some of the epistles during this time. We cannot stand to think that Paul might have been “put on the shelf” for two years. Paul is too valuable to the work of the kingdom, isn’t he? Well, maybe the Lord felt he was too important as one of children and there was a need for further purification.

Joseph experienced that. He used to brag to his brothers how important he was with his flashy coat and all his magnificent dreams. The Lord had to purify his heart more, before he was able to fulfill God’s plans. Many ministers need to experience this time of cleansing and purification. I don’t care how important you think you are to the Body of Christ, you are far more important as a one of God’s children, and he will purify your heart to prepare you for the work he has planned for you—and to make you fit for His Kingdom.

If interested, you can download the entire study of The Story of Acts

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