Rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. – Acts 9:6
A soldier is given his orders; there are ramifications if he disobeys. A student has schoolwork; there are consequences if it is not completed. The business person must follow the laws of government for cleanliness or workplace safety; there are penalties for non-compliance. In much the same manner, you have obligations in your relationships with family and friends; if selfishness and pride have their way, the friendships may be severed.
Saul was on a mission to destroy any follower of Jesus. He had his marching orders from the high priest to arrest them and take them back to Jerusalem… but he was stopped in his tracks by Jesus Himself. Out of heaven flashed a bright light, enough to knock Saul to the ground and cause his companions to stand speechless. Jesus spoke in words Saul could actually hear; they had a life-changing conversation (Acts 9:1-7). Some time later, his name would be changed to Paul… the apostle.
Do you understand that sometimes the Lord allows issues to arise that may knock the wind out of your sails and render you helpless? And yet He will speak to you, as well. His direction can be very clear regarding the path He would have you follow, the correct words to say, relationships that work and those that don’t. Paul received direction, but he had to wait (Acts 9:6, 9). Understand that your answer may be delayed… but it will come.
Times are tough right now. Hold on to the Lord; take direction from His Word. Refusing to obey will have its consequences. Ask for guidance for your life, your family, and this nation through unceasing prayer. Remember He is in control. Do not be fearful. Simply rely on Him alone.
Today’s Verse: Acts 9:6
But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Acts 17:22-31
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
29 Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
