In Times Like These

Introduction

The role of protector.

Especially moms. Teaching, guiding, and snatching out of danger!

That maternal instinct doesn’t go away.

My own mom, when she asks how I’m doing or if she hears me cough - shows concern.

When we think about parents, there is the role of protector.

This is as we are created in the image of God, some of His attributes are passed along to us.

We are just living out in a smaller way what our Heavenly Father is doing.

God’s Protection

The tribune continues to protect Paul!

He’s a Roman soldier - no interest in the teachings of the Jews or Christians!

Yet, here he is providing protection for Paul.

When we think about how God works, it can come from unexpected sources!

God is creative like that!

And it can’t be predicted.

Family struggling - I’ll go check the mailbox!

He is sovereign.

This means that sometimes He will keep us from harm and sometimes He will lead us through difficulties.

It can be a test of faith!

When we have traveled internationally and other mission teams that I’ve worked with.

First time traveling to London and seeing security there with automatic rifles.

Some place sound very scary! Bogota, Columbia!

When, the truth is, the safest place for us to be is right in the center of God’s plan.

God’s Provision

Two centurions (officers over a group of 100 soldiers). Each with 100.

Plus 70 horsemen. Plus 200 more spearmen.

470 people are set around Paul.

Provision. The Roman government was providing for Paul’s safety.

Nobody is going to mess with him when he is surrounded by that force.

Compare that to what God has at His disposal.

The Lord of Hosts - “armies”

Chris Tomlin - God of Angel Armies

I know who goes before me I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies Is always by my side

So much more than we could ever imagine is at God’s disposal.

God has the ability to provide for His children!

Psalm 50:10 ESV

For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.

Psalm 37:25 ESV

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.

Not to be confused with wealth! But, also, we must consider the spiritual condition of these.

Those who are righteous. Those who are His children.

I believe God can do this through a variety of ways, but often the church.

Why being in a church is so important.

God will use

All provision is God’s provision.

Which isn’t just some doctrine, but it has real implications on how we live.

His provision provides a mentality of abundance and not scarcity.

This should soothe our anxieties or fears.

Maybe you need to meditate on this truth about God’s character of provision.

Gospel Proclamation

The calling on Paul:

Acts 23:11 ESV

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

It was to proclaim the Gospel!

And God was going to provide for Paul to accomplish that calling.

What has God called you to do or to be?

Moms, Dads. Husbands, Wives. Christian influence to friends and co-workers and neighbors. Influencers in your community. Witnesses of the Gospel. Teachers in our small group ministry. Children’s Church volunteers. Worship team members.

Whatever He calls you to do, He provides for you to accomplish it!

It isn’t being a cog in a machine. That isn’t the picture of the church.

It is being a thread in a tapestry or a stroke of the painters brush in a painting.

You are a part of a masterpiece! The masterpiece of the Church of Jesus.

Conclusion

Man in a flood. 4X4 truck, boat, helicopter.

Creates this false dichotomy of fear vs faith, as those if you show wisdom, you aren’t showing faith.

This passage destroys that paradigm.

Paul’s wisdom in trusting God’s provision of protection so he can proclaim the Gospel.

Accepting the word given to him by his nephew. Accepting the protection of the soldiers.

Allowing God’s protection does not show fear, but wisdom.

Especially as Paul moved forward in the calling to Proclaim the Gospel.

God has a plan for you.

God has a plan for this church. We were planted here for a reason some 45 years ago.

He brought you to this church for a reason.

He isn’t through with us!

And as we begin to move towards corporate worship again, we look for God to move in incredible ways.

We anticipate that. We pray for that!

We also live in wisdom and faith. This gives us confidence as we move forward.