As I reflected on our recent Sunday gathering and our study of Acts 23, I felt compelled to share a few additional thoughts.
In Acts 23, the Lord Jesus visits the Apostle Paul in prison during a dark and despairing time, telling him to “take courage.” As we discussed Sunday, this word in the original language is an imperative. This wasn’t a recommendation to cheer up based on an opinion that things aren’t that bad or a feeling that things will soon be better. It was a command from the sovereign and eternal Son of God who offered Paul His presence and reminded Paul that He always keeps His promises and accomplishes His purposes.
I’m reminded of Acts chapter 7, where Stephen, moments from martyrdom, sees a vision of the resurrected Jesus standing at the right hand of God the Father–the supreme position of honor and authority above all of creation. Here in Acts 23, Jesus condescends to stand with Paul (v.11) in his hour of darkness and despair. Why would Jesus do this? What does this teach us about the character and nature of our Lord?
My answer to that question (at least one of them) is because Jesus knows how easy it is for us to forget. It’s so easy to feel stuck or even swallowed up by the pain of our present circumstances. This passage shows us that no matter what people around us might say or what our present circumstances may lead us to believe, our God is with us and He will accomplish His purposes in us, through us, and in the world around us. Take courage! Jesus is on the throne, in control, and He has everything at his disposal. If He wants to use an earthquake, He can (Acts 16). If He wants to send an angel, He can (Acts 12). If He wants to accomplish His purposes through ordinary means like Paul’s nephew over-hearing a conversation (Acts 23) or through a national election, He can.
If after reading that last sentence you thought, “wait, did he just slip a little political comment in there?” Yes I did. Why? Because Jesus is on the throne, He has given us the promise that He will build his church (Matthew 16:18), and because He has commissioned us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). Let me clarify something, Paul says in Col. 1 that "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins”(Col 1:13-14). Acts 17 says that God determines allotted periods and the boundaries of our dwelling place (Acts 17:26). That means that we are first and foremost, through our faith in Christ, citizens of a heavenly kingdom AND our earthly citizenship has been given to us by God to live as witnesses to who He is and what He has done for us in Christ.
Now, regarding the upcoming election, let me call you to two specific actions: PRAY & VOTE.
Firstly, we must pray. God is sovereign and not surprised by any candidates on the ballot. He will accomplish His purposes. However, as we see in Acts, one way He works is through our prayers. I invite you to join us on Tuesday, November 5th, from 12-1 PM for a time of corporate prayer. We will pray for God’s purposes to be fulfilled in this election and for our future leaders, regardless of who wins (1 Tim. 2:1-2). If you can’t join us in person, please pray wherever you are.
Secondly, we must vote. We have been commissioned to be His witnesses. It is not simply an opportunity but a responsibility. I get it, maybe you are conflicted because neither candidate perfectly reflects what you desire to be true about the President of our great country. I am too. And yet, God has placed us here. We have a responsibility to vote–according to our conscience, and with our consciences informed by the truth of the Word of God. Because, church, if we don't, who will?
Take courage CBC. Jesus offers us His presence, always keeps His promises, and will accomplish His purposes.
Klint Ware