Take courage

Acts 23.11-35 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/index.php?search=Acts%2023.11-35&version=31&interface=print
Verse 11 - The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage!"
As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

vv. 12-35 ~ We left Paul, lying on the stone floor, exhausted, battered, discouraged, and wondering just how long he would be alive, doubtful he would ever make it to his desired destination--Rome. The next morning, after Jesus said the above words to Paul, a determined group of forty Jews devised a plot to kill him. Paul got word of their plan through his nephew, and was able to make the commander aware of the plan afoot; in turn, he arranges for Paul to be transferred to Caesarea under a huge Roman guard contingent. Paul is held under guard in Herod's palace. (if you click on the above link, you can read the whole passage--or better yet, read it in your Bible!)

Good Morning.

I would like to draw our attention to this amazing scene where Jesus appears to a dejected Paul. His greeting goes right to the point, and right to the heart of Paul. "Take courage...do not be afraid." Jesus lets Paul know that this would not be the end of the road for Paul. . . he would go on to represent Jesus Christ in Rome. Imagine the validation Paul must have felt--'as you have testified in Jerusalem, so in Rome. . .' The Lord was affirming the work of Paul's hands, (an answer to the prayer of Psalm 90.17 - ..."establish the work of our hands, Lord.") In a single sentence, Paul gets an 'atta boy' and a 'keep on doin' what you're doin' from Jesus. It is the believer's prayer to one day hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," so in one sense, Paul is getting a preview.

"Take courage," words meant to encourage, inspire and embolden--often coupled with, "do not be afraid." Over and over, throughout the Old Testament, God told his children not to be afraid. Why? Because He was with them. David wrote, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." Why? "for You are with me." God's presence assures and comforts us--we have no need to fear. FEAR and GOD'S LOVE are mutually exclusive. (Not to be confused with the "fear of God," which means a holy reverence for God, and a healthy fear of his judgment of us, IF we are not living in His grace.) The psalmist said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Psalm 111.10. When Jesus came, God's mercy was meted out to mankind, enabling us to be restored to a relationship of mutual love. Hence, "Perfect love casts out fear," 1 John 4.18. Perfect love comes only through God.

[FEAR]<------------------------------->[GOD'S LOVE]

While those who walked with Jesus felt safe/without fear in His presence, when they were apart from Him, when he was not in sight, they were unsure of themselves. Once the Holy Spirit was given to believers--the "Comforter" as Jesus called Him, believers are not alone. He promised us, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Why, then, should we fear when He is with us? We shouldn't, of course, but because we do not look across our table, and into His eyes--because we don't turn our heads to the right as we are driving, and look at Jesus in our passenger seat--well, it is easy to forget that He is with us. "Take courage," yes, take a hold of it, be courageous, for you are not alone; the Lord your God is with you, and He is mighty to save, and what's more, his heart is so tender toward you, he wants you not to live in fear.


Some arrows for your quiver:
>Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear. Luke 12.7

>'Thus says the Lord, "Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard. 2 Kings 19.6

>But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Matthew 14.27

>And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent." Acts 18.9

>But Jesus turning and seeing her said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well."
At once the woman was made well. Matthew 9.22

>These things I have spoken to you; so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage;
I have overcome the world." John 16.33

What a tender Father we have. . . who wants us to fully trust in Him, and his love for us. Resting there, we need not fear.
TAKE COURAGE. . . your Father loves you, Christine