Heralds Digest

“So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/act.27.15.nkjv Like the almighty Titanic that succumbed to the wild  North Atlantic Ocean in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912, life is often an ensemble of ship under the wild wind of situation and circumstances. With possible quick transitions within the range of smooth, mild, and wild, it is difficult for anyone to boost of the turn of events, and how long a ride within a season of events will take. However, when Paul was caught within the presumptuous mess of spiritual dwarfs, who must ride against divine guidance, he was left with no option than to lift up holy hands into heaven. Unfortunately, the wild wind of life knows how to engage its riders on fruitless engagements of self-help approaches until all hopes of recovery are completely wasted. But no matter how long the bumpy ride into the wild, there is always a ray of hope for thos...

“Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:11-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/act.27.11-12.nkjv   Barring the prevailing restrictions to interstate and inter-territorial mobility, sailing from one harbour of life to another is mostly based on popular considerations, like the favourable standard of living, high employment rate, good health care services, attractive social services, etc.  And like the Old Testament Jonah and the call to proceed and preach in Nineveh, not many people would readily consider the existence of divine guidance and God’s timing in life. But even in his unpleasant situation and circumstances, Apostle Paul does rely on divine gu...

“And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/act.27.3.nkjv   Throwing consignment of relief packages in the midst of affluence and the abundance of space for unlimited exploitation is easy. But in season of global distress, a pin drop of care and hospitality makes a pronounced ripple of appreciation. Such was the gracious moment of care expressions at Sidon: 1. the centurion Julius granted Paul the liberty to enjoy his transit with the disciples at Sidon; 2. Paul utilized the short transit time in his ship of confinement for follow-up on the welfare of free disciples; and 3. the friendly disciples of Paul at Sidon welcomed and showered the necessary care during the short visit. The common denominator in these care expressions is the willingness to take the risk, as long as the value of care is worthwhile. It implies that although a consignment of...

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:28-29‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/act.26.28-29.nkjv   While Paul’s prayer for total persuasion for all his audience is notably emotional, his life demonstrated and his messages admitted elsewhere that “chains” are part of the components of a reliable persuasion in believers’ faith in God. Like king Agrippa, many are being held back from yielding to pure persuasion not for the want of conviction; people are mostly withheld by their wealth of convenience. Whereas, chains or cross-bearing is an undeniable hallmark of the Christian Faith. But when King Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian”, the consequences of the call to persuasion on his personality and privileges were played up. Obviously, we ca...

““Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision...Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:19, 22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/act.26.19,22.nkjv   The lack of a sustained motivation to stick to the right is not necessarily based on the absence of vision for righteousness. The fear of losing the favour of men often lead the people into the pursuit of earthly provisions at the expense of heavenly vision. Whereas in defence of Paul’s consistent obedience to the heavenly vision, he underscored his conviction on the superiority of God’s purpose and promises to earthly pursuits and provisions. Unfortunately, today’s beliefs are often short of the grace required to manage the threats arising from rejecting human help in order to obtain the heavenly help.  Notwithstanding, those who wait upon God’s Grac...

“But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/act.26.16.nkjv   While the world is currently ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, curious minds are bothered not just by the search for the solution; but the unwinding of the pure purpose behind the pandemic represents the same level of concern. Unfortunately, it is more easier for human’s passion and emotion to be manipulated in relationships without seeing the clarity of purpose. And many often cry foul at home, workplaces and the society, after a long relationship that is shrouded with hidden agenda or betrayal due to remotely-conceived intention. Like Apostle Paul had the privilege of an encounter with Jesus and a revelation of pure purpose behind his newly-found commission, finding the pure purpose behind believers’ self-...

“And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/act.26.6-7.nkjv When serious commitments are evident to past promises, there is hope that future promises will be kept. Hope in these days of pandemic is desirable by all, bringing peace and comfort from the world of panic and pandemonium. Unfortunately, there are myriad of religions with limited offers in terms of a genuine promise of peace. Even in stocks, chains and bonds, Paul had peace for today and hope for tomorrow. Whereas, the Jews, chief priests and elders had a religion filled with promises without the relationship that guarantees peace and hope. Meanwhile, there is always peace with the Giver of life, especially in times of trouble. Even today, it is only helpless hope that losses the c...