The voice of Jesus
Do you ever lack courage? Wherever we are in life, there are times we just feel the grip of fear. Maybe in a new job, at a new church, as new parents, or as one suffering grave illness, or the near death of a loved one. There are many times we feel fear and need the courage it takes to face what is ahead.
When those moments of need come, to whom do you turn?
When we need courage, we seek encouragement! We often don't associate those two words, but one comes from the other. Who encourages you? Where do you seek encouragement when you need courage in life? A parent? A friend? Your spouse? A pastor?
Without a doubt, we can be encouraged by many, but surely for the believer, Jesus is the main "go-to"!
As Paul faced continuing pressure from the Jews, he was constantly standing to defend himself and avoid imprisonment, often not escaping. But he needed the courage to continue. God knew that even Paul needed courage. Listen to this particular event:
Acts 23:1-10
1Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”4Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!”5Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)9There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
Paul carried on with the pressures around him, and it would be easy to think he was strong and was doing OK. In fact, you might even think he found it easy at times! But it wasn't easy. And God knew that. Paul faced much persecution. He often found himself in the middle of debates and arguments between those in his faith group. Often, it became violent. Very violent. This story ends with Paul being forced into containment in the army barracks - mostly to keep him safe as the commander of the army was afraid Paul would be "torn to pieces"!
But The Lord is near. And he knows Paul needs encouragement...
Acts 23:11
11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
The Lord stood near Paul and encouraged him. He spoke to him. And then he reminded him of his call. I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been for Paul, knowing that he needed encouragement because his mission was not over. He had already faced Jerusalem and now must go on to Rome. But Jesus is there. The voice of God encouraging him and reminding him of his purpose.
Are you listening for the voice of Jesus? Perhaps it is not an audible voice like it was for Paul (but sometimes it might be!) Perhaps it is the gentle prompt when you read his word or pray. Perhaps Jesus' encouragement is spoken to you through a Christian brother or sister. Are you listening? We all need the courage to continue to race. We all need encouragement to be reminded of our purpose under God. God is with us - his Holy Spirit lives with us and in us, every day, giving us peace and encouragement and reminding us of our purposes to live for God's glory. Are we listening?
If you need encouragement today, and you don't feel you are receiving it, there's nothing wrong with asking someone directly. Ask one of your Christian friends. Tell them you need to hear some encouragement. Read the Bible with them, pray with them. In-person or online. Let God speak, and be prepared to listen.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for saving me. Help me to share my testimony with others - use my words to bring the saving gospel of hope to many others, in Jesus' name.
Amen.