We pick up again
with imprisoned Paul.
Festus’ arrival –
Jews press for trial.
Oh transfer him please,
they asked him in power.
New plot to ambush,
destroy righteous tower.
Plot that was evil,
was quickly denied.
God-given wisdom,
was Paul’s steady guide.
He knew Jewish law,
and his Roman rights.
To Caesar appealed,
in his freedom fight.
Festus and council,
all stood and agreed.
If Caesar you want,
to Caesar indeed!
A few days later,
the king and his queen,
arrived in that place,
agreed to be seen.
For Festus had shared
the woes of the man,
brought by this Roman,
left too, in his hands.
Elders and chief priests
all stood and accused.
Not the expected,
image by RTI
but of their faith views.
Jerusalem asked,
and swiftly denied.
“To Caesar, please, Sir.”
It was in his right.
The king was intrigued,
and wanted to meet,
this man who stood strong,
wouldn’t accept defeat.
King and queen entered,
with much pomp and show.
Paul shared of the truth,
so they too might know.
(Responding to Acts 25)
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your ongoing examples of people who press on, despite tremendous pressure. Thank You that though there was the threat of losing his life, Paul’s concern was with sharing Your truth before those who knew You not. Oh to have our priorities aligned accordingly all the time… Father, thank You that Your Son, Jesus, showed us the ultimate example of selflessness and continued to present Your truth, even as He was hanging on the cross and being mocked by a criminal hanging beside Him. He found the strength to share His hope with the one who was ready to hear. Lord, I was to love like that, all the time, unhindered by circumstances – with all that I am. Forgive us for fixing our eyes on anything other than You. Empower and equip us to stand strong, even in the storm, so that we may share our hope with those who are starting to sink. Use us as Your lifelines of truth, so many may come to trust You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Revelations In Writing 