Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
Reading of Paul's adventures in Jerusalem we're struck by his courage and resourcefulness. He survives an attempted lynching, and faces the mob down. He uses Roman law to escape a potentially lethal flogging (22.25). He's hauled up before the same Sanhedrin that had condemned Jesus, and succeeds in setting the Pharisees and Sadducees against each other (23.6). Warned by his nephew, he escapes assassination by 40 sworn fanatics. Undaunted by authority, in the next chapters he defends himself against the high priest, the Roman governor and a king. Paul is formidable; this reads like the plot of an action movie.
Good films, though, are driven by a central idea. The hero might be saving the world, or rescuing a child or a friend, or standing up against evil. Whether they're naturally gifted or courageous or not, they have a cause which is worth running any risk and braving any enemy for. They might be very frightened, but their love outweighs their fear.
That's what it was like for Paul. In 2 Corinthians 11.16–33 he lists the terrible hardships he's suffered. He regrets nothing, because it was all for Christ.
When we are really committed to Christ, our fears may not lessen, but our courage will grow. God tells Paul, 'Don't be afraid! You have given your witness for me here in Jerusalem, and you must also do the same in Rome' (verse 11). Love was to conquer fear, even to the point of death.
God, when I face enemies and hardships, help me to think of Christ and his love for me, and of mine for him. If I am afraid, let my love be stronger than my fear.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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