Paul before the rulers, witnessing to them as individuals and so, as we say, sowing the seeds of the kingdom. Surely he could see the Lord's hand. The irony of it all is expressed by Agrippa:
"Agrippa said to Festus, 'This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.'" [Acts 26:32]
Did Paul have an inkling of this? Was his appeal to Caesar spoken in a rash moment, in fear of his life, in desperate move that at first saved but later condemned? Did he ever realize he had sacrificed his freedom and eventually his life? What dark journey of the soul did he take before he was able to write to the Philippians -- "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." [Philippians 1:12-13]
He will accomplish his heart's desire. He will go to Rome. How did he reconcile his prayer's answer? We know how he reconciles it in his writings. He is a step closer to heaven. But how did his heart come to this place of piece. I wonder. I would have rethought, regretted and, perhaps, even renounced God's love in this answer. How do I resolve to make His will, His gain enough?
No comments:
Post a Comment