Picture yourself in this courtroom. Arrested for starting a riot with his words, Paul stood before a powerful religious court. Humanly speaking, his fate was fully in their hands. Still, Paul did not flinch. Instead, he looked straight into the eyes of his accusers (Acts 23:1). When the priest ordered him struck, Paul did not cower. Even when the dispute became so violent “the commander feared that Paul might be torn apart” (v.10), Paul’s knees never buckled.
Trade places with Paul in your mind. Could you look powerful accusers in the eye, knowing they could have you executed with a wave of their hand? Could you stand the heat of their accusations without melting? Personal experience has taught me that my insides would more likely turn to jelly. My hands would shake. Words would fail me. On my own, I don’t have what it takes to endure this kind of pressure. Which makes me wonder: What truth kept Paul’s knees from knocking? What was the rod of steel that ran up his back really made from? More than moxie was required in this moment. His was a response to meeting the Messiah. Paul was doing more than making his mark on the pages of history as he stood before the court; he was showcasing the gospel.
Hebrews 10 describes another courtroom. Let’s imagine ourselves there. It’s not Sadducees and Pharisees who sit behind this bench, but God Himself. Humanly speaking, we can expect the gavel to drop because we are guilty. Each of us has violated the holiness of God. We deserve to be prosecuted to the full extent of the Law. Still, we can enter this courtroom just like Paul entered his, with confidence. Though the high priest in Paul’s case wished him struck, Jesus, our High Priest, took the blows upon Himself.
There are times when I fear that the weight of my own sin might tear me apart, moments when I am suddenly and painfully aware that I don’t deserve to be in the presence of a holy God. You have those moments too: when a sin you thought you were free of suddenly ensnares you again, when you catch the idol factory of your heart churning out something or someone new to worship, when you’ve tried and failed to live like Scripture calls you to live. When those moments come, we share in Paul’s defense. “It is with respect to the hope of the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial” (v.6 ESV). It’s not that the gavel will not fall, but rather it has already fallen on Jesus at Calvary. What the Lord spoke to Paul in his hour of need He speaks to us in ours. “Take courage” (v.11 ESV). Heads high. Palms steady. Pulses slow. Because of our High Priest, Jesus “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).
Mari V– thank you for sharing such a powerful testimony of faith. May God continue to bless your faithfulness to Him. That is Holy Spirit confidence right there :)
Ruth — I’m so thankful to know God is helping you and answering prayers, that’s so wonderful!! I pray you continue to see Him move in your situation. <3
Taylor – Happy 26th birthday!! May your weekend with friends be blessed!!
Paul is so intense. I am amazed today by how many languages he knows. I have trouble with even learning one second language. I don't put it into practice enough, though. It's amazing because he was a missionary, so it makes sense he has learned multiple languages.
Unlike Paul, I stood before the courtroom. facing the judge. So yes, I have a little experience what it feels like inside of a courtroom. NO FUN to say the least. My heart racing, I felt I could not breathe, the advocate that went with me had to tell me to take a deep breath. I too, don’t know if I would have a boldness as Paul. During a 3 year span I had several court appearances during that time with the first appearance was the hardest. The last one I had was last June. I faced the judge. The person I once called husband to my right. I was asked a very hard question and had to make a quick decision. And with a quick prayer and having God’s word in my heart and mind, I spoke. I knew what I wanted to say, but as I took a deep breath and spoke God’s word, there in front of the judge, a few bailiffs, courtrecorder, sheriffs, my friend that went with me,
I spoke. All I remember is that the judge said, something like, I’ll accept that. And since that day I am now legally separated. I knew what I wanted but at least now I am legally separated. It wasn’t until I left the courthouse and my friend and I got into her car, I broke down and cried so hard. Something I had not done in a very long time. And she told me something I had not known what I did. I say this next knowing that it’s all God and not me. My friend told me that she heard me speak with boldness, God’s word in front of all those people. They know what I stand for. And they heard it. All of them. I knew what I wanted, but that’s OK. God‘s gonna take care of it.
Unlike Paul, I stood before the courtroom. facing the judge. So yes, I have a little experience what it feels like inside of a courtroom. NO FUN to say the least. My heart racing, I felt I could not breathe, the advocate that went with me had to tell me to take a deep breath. I too, don’t know if I would have a boldness as Paul. During a 3 year span I had several court appearances during that time with the first appearance was the hardest. The last one I had was last June. I faced the judge. The advocate to my left and the person I once called husband to my right. I was asked a very hard question and had to make a quick decision. And with a quick prayer and having God’s word in my heart and mind, I spoke. I knew what I wanted to say, but as I took a deep breath and spoke God’s word, there in front of the judge, a few bailiffs, courtrecorder, sheriffs, my friend that went with me, 
Happy Birthday Taylor! Prayers for you ERB for continued improvement, praising God for your great day! Thank you to the sister who mentioned “The Lord stood by him!” How did I miss that? I love that and underlined it. Happy weekend friends prayers for all to have a blessed and restful couple of days!
I do believe it is a mistake in the app. In the book we read all of Acts 22 before reading verses one through 11 of Acts 23.
This is just what I needed today! “Have courage!” Jesus said. I love how the Lord works thru SRT and so often the timing is perfect for when I need a word from the Lord.
Would you all Pray for me next Tuesday morning EST? I am a foster mom and we have court and I think I may be asked to speak as a witness to some erratic behavior from the birth mom. I am trying to keep a balanced heart to love her with the Lord’s love but also protect this sweet little baby I have in my charge. I want to represent my foster baby well and protect him, but most of all I want to represent the Lord and showcase His gospel (love that!).
I read the comments frequently but rarely post – thank you all for being such an encouragement to me! Luv u all!
TAYLOR – happy birthday!!!!!!
ERB – ❤
What stuck out to me was that the LORD “stood by” Paul and spoke. Not a vision (Luke recorded other visions or dreams) but emphasized the message by a personal delivery.
Happiest of birthdays Taylor! Yes, we are so blessed to walk with Our Faithful Savior!!