You Got to Have Courage 4

Remember the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz.  Even in our times of fear, we must press on and just as the lion said, “It takes Courage”.

Acts 23:11  But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, "Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also."

Courage is reinforced by Christ.  The Roman commander sends Paul back to the Chief Priest.  Paul declares he is innocent.  The Chief Priest orders him to be beaten, which is a violation of the law and Paul calls him on it.

Paul realizes the counsel is split between Sadducees and Pharisees.  He exploits that by proclaiming that he is a Pharisee.  At this point, the counsel starts arguing among themselves.  The commander orders the soldiers to go get Paul before the crowd tears him apart. 

 

Forty individuals plot to kill Paul.  Paul’s nephew finds out and tells him.  Paul tells him to tell the commander.  The commander sent a large company to take Paul to Felix in Caesarea.  Felix orders that Paul be held until his accusers arrived.  Paul would remain in Roman custody for two years.

God has a plan for each of us and that plan is one of service.  From the time Paul was saved on the road to Damascus, it was God’s plan that Paul witness to the Jews, Gentiles and before Kings.  The events are taking Paul to Rome where he will witness before Kings. 

WHAT HAS GOD GOT IN STORE FOR YOU?

Deuteronomy 31:6  "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you."