Today’s reading: Psalm 44-46; Acts 25
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 46:10-11
To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.” Acts 25:10b-12
God rules over the whole earth and is with His people no matter what overtakes them. He is exalted over all.
Psalm 46 reminds us that whether there is chaos in the cosmos or bloodbaths on the battlefields, God still rules over all things. The believer is told not to fear but to be quiet and focus on the Lord who is over all the madness of men and the disintegration of the physical world. Nothing can stop Him, nor thwart His will, nor sever His people from Him.
Paul must have had a firm grasp on this truth as he was passed from one jurisdiction to another: from the Jews, to the Roman tribune, from Felix to Festus and from Festus to Agrippa and later to Caesar. Paul had stated his position, “not guilty.” The charges weren’t sticking, but he was still in custody as a favor to the Jews. Paul sought to maintain a clear conscience (Acts 24:16) and clearly states that he would accept any sentence which was just, even death. Festus shows confusion and ambivalence, offering to let Paul be tried in Jerusalem. Paul appeals to Caesar. The charges against him are not clear much less proven. But Paul remains steady, trusting that God is using his testimony to the gospel in this setting before governors and kings for His glory.
Do not be intimidated by the apparent powers of this world’s political systems. God still rules. Do not panic if it seems like the world may blow apart through some natural catastrophe. In the midst of these kinds of crises, God shows His power and sovereignty. Be still. Trust Him. He will be glorified.
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