Paul’s Appeal to Caesar
8/7 Reading Portions: Judges 21; Acts 25; Jeremiah 35; Psalms 7-8
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
8/7 Reading Portions: Judges 21; Acts 25; Jeremiah 35; Psalms 7-8
Acts 25:11
“But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
FREEDOM
In day-to-day life, there’s nothing wrong with exercising your rights as a citizen of your country. Standing before unbelievers, especially in Paul’s case where he defends his life against his accusers, it was more than appropriate. Here in the U.S.A., when I wear my ball cap that reads: “U.S. Navy Deep Sea Diver,” sometimes people approach me and thank me for my service. I typically respond, “Thank you for your appreciation.” Yet there are some folks who are overzealously patriotic in America, whereas they’ll attempt to defend servicemen, servicewomen, and veterans like me with misplaced sentiments such as: “They’ve fought for your freedoms!” Quite frankly, we did not. American freedoms exist because the U.S. Constitution, signed in 1787, which is supposed to guarantee those freedoms. And though we had the privilege of serving in the U.S. military, and though we made a small contribution to the standing army or navy afloat that were built to support and defend that Constitution from all enemies, foreign or domestic, the ones who fought, bled, and died to secure our freedoms by said Constitution were those who enabled its signing on September 17, 1787, in something the history books call the Revolutionary War. Yet mine is not a new idea. It was based upon a truth set in motion by almighty God before He said, “Light be.” Our eternal liberty was secured for us by one Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, who lived, bled, died, rose again, and ascended into heaven. His holy Word, the Bible, guarantees freedom in Christ to all those who trust Him, and in His atoning sacrifice by faith. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep; and if we continue in His Word, we are His disciples indeed; and we will know the truth, which does truly set us free (John 8:31-32). Hallelujah! What an excellent Savior!
Eternal life is guaranteed
Through Jesus Christ the Lord;
By grace through faith we have been freed,
Says God’s most holy Word.