What Could Have Been Accomplished Otherwise? (Pt II)

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me [Jesus] here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” [Acts 23.11]

 

What good did Paul accomplish in Jerusalem?  Maybe he encouraged the Jewish Christians some?  Aside from that, all Paul did was stir up a world of trouble and get taken captive.  And then, the Lord speaks to Paul (above) and what does He tell Paul?  "You are going to Rome."

 

Does anyone besides me find it interesting that when Paul hears from God, it is not words encouraging Paul that he will continue the work in Jerusalem, but that instead he will be going to Rome?  Jerusalem = Jews, Rome = Gentiles (Paul was called as an apostle to the Gentiles by his own admission).

 

Perhaps I am digging for something that is simply not there but perhaps I am not.  It does not change the story of Paul one bit, nor does it take away from the fact that God was and is working in the earth.  What my thoughts today do accomplish however is to inspire me to listen carefully to what I believe is the Holy Spirit speaking to me and also to listen for confirmation from those around me.  Furthermore I should understand that God will get me where He wants me - even if it is in chains  or extremely difficult circumstances.

Again, what could have been accomplished had Paul gone to Rome first instead of Jerusalem?  Of course we will never know.  But we can know from this how important it is to listen to the voice of God's Spirit.

Father, I do not wish to take away from what was accomplished by Paul going to Jerusalem.  But I do want to recognize that in the midst of it all, You still had other plans for Paul (to go to Rome).  Help me to learn every lesson from this possible today!