Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Paul stands there defending himself against people who want him dead. As he speaks, he realizes there are two groups, the Sadducees and the Pharisees. He uses that to his advantage. In verse 8, we read, “For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.” Even among the two groups that persecuted Paul, they too completely disagreed with one another on important topics. The two argued and then there was a secret plot to kill Paul. But God made sure the plot was foiled and Paul escaped to continue his ministry.

The more things change in this world the more they stay the same. In Paul’s time, there were crooked politicians and an impartial judicial system that mostly pursued power, money, and their own version of morality. Unfortunately, we see much of the same today. If Christ is not the center of your life you will fall to the temptations of this world and governments and politicians have always been a part of that. It’s important that as Christians we do our best to choose candidates that best represent Christ. Is anyone perfect? No, but it’s common sense that if we are to be Christ followers, we should want our leadership to be followers of Christ as well. However, just like Paul’s time, our life of doing God’s will is not determined by government officials.

He can and will use people and leadership regardless of who they are or what they believe. Throughout history, there have been Christ-followers living in places where they were persecuted for their beliefs, and there are Christ-followers who lived in a peaceful time with no fear of death for their belief. The truth is regardless of who the government leadership is, our responsibility is to Christ. He has a glorious purpose for each of us within His will. If we seek him, what we accomplish is determined by God, not men. Don’t lose sight of the miracle God performed for Paul. It wasn’t by accident that he escaped the plot to kill him. God had a plan that no man could stop regardless of their titles, tricks, or power and God still has a plan today!

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Think of ways that you can make yourself available to be used by God. 
• Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for who You are and Your ability to use anyone to advance Your Kingdom. I pray that You would use my life, where I am at to share the Gospel and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.