“The Lord Will Protect You II!

“The Lord Will Protect You II!”(Acts 23:12-22).
Yesterday’s pericope ended with, “…the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'”
Today’s pericope is a continuation of Paul’s story. It tells how “some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.”
Forty men, plus were involved in this plot.
They explained their plan to the chief priests and elders who were to become their partners in crime. These others had to preasure the commander to release Paul on the pretext of wanting more accurate information concerning his case. The more than forty men were to wait in ambush and kill Paul.
The plan backfired because Paul’s sister’s son had eavesdropped on them and heard the plot. Long story, cut short, the commander was informed of the plot.
We are not told whether the coupplotters came to the commander to make the request. But if they went, he surely did not give in to their request since he already knew about their plot.
On this occasion and other subsequent occasions, Paul’s life was spared. In the same way, many plots to kill Jesus failed because it was not yet the right time.
To the chosen of the LORD, death eventually happens at the LORD’S right time. It doesn’t matter whether it happens through the hands of men or by natural means.
One thing we know for sure: If the LORD does not will it, it will not happen! And when he has not yet willed it, there is nothing anybody can do about it.
Imagine the shame of the coupplotters when they had to renege on their vows! If they were to stand by their vow, then they would have starved to death.
Dear friend, if you are on the LORD’S side, your enemies will eat their shame! Their plots against you will be overheard and sabotaged before takeoff!
Until the mission is accomplished, enemies labour in vain. Keep trusting the LORD as you do the right.
Prayer: Father LORD frustrate the plans of the enemies against those who stand for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
19/03/2025.