4 Minute Read + Scripture readings
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Today’s Bible Reading:
Ruth 2
Acts 27
Jeremiah 37
Psalms 10
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Acts 27:34-36 (CSB): “‘So I urge you to take some food. For this is for your survival, since none of you will lose a hair from your head.’ After he said these things and had taken some bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all of them, and after he broke it, he began to eat. They all were encouraged and took food themselves.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
I suspect that if you think back to the times in your life when you demonstrated incredible courage, it probably came as a result of seeing someone else demonstrate courage.
After all, that the way it typically works.
Someone who plans to parachute out of a plane typically finds it easier to demonstrate that courage if they are able to see others jump out of the plane in front of them. Someone who makes a public stand against injustice or evil finds it easier to take that stand when they observe someone else do something similiar.
This is what the Apostle Paul was speaking about in his letter to the Philippian church. He said that his imprisonment for preaching the Gospel was actually helping other timid ministers to demonstrate incredible courage.
Philippians 1:14 “Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.”
In a lesser way, we see this demonstrated in our Bible readings today. In Acts 27, the Apostle Paul had encouraged the men in the storm-battered ship to eat … but they refused. They were terrified. They believed that they were going to die. And it wasn’t until the Apostle Paul stood up, told them to eat, and then demonstrated courage in the massive storm by enjoying a meal that they finally found the courage to eat, too.
Acts 27:34-36 (CSB): “‘So I urge you to take some food. For this is for your survival, since none of you will lose a hair from your head.’ After he said these things and had taken some bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all of them, and after he broke it, he began to eat. They all were encouraged and took food themselves.”
It comes as no suprise to you that people are anxious these days. There is so much unknown. People are afraid and experiencing inner turmoil.
They need people to demonstrate courage. They need to see someone who is compassionate and careful but who also demonstrates courage in living without fear as you trust in the Lord. Whose to say that as you live your life that way that it could spur on needed courage in others.
After all, that’s the way it works.
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Lord Jesus, I want to be strong and courageous. People around me need to see courageous Jesus-followers so that they can find courage coming alive inside of themselves. By Your grace and with Your strength, I will be that person. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 