-April 16, 2022-
Good morning, happy Saturday
“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”
(Acts 28:30-31).
Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He was awaiting his appeal to Caesar. Even though conditions were not ideal, still things were much better for him than a Roman prison. God showed him great mercy and grace, and he lived for two whole years in his own rented house. In Rome, they had many such accommodations called insala. They were like apartments. Paul turned his obstacles into opportunities to serve the Lord.
Does it not remind us of the early days and months of the Coronavirus pandemic. We were locked down, isolated, and sequestered in our homes. Paul lived two years like this. Instead of complaining, Paul made the most of the opportunities he was given. He could have shut the blinds and felt sorry for himself, but he didn’t. Paul was a man with a plan. He received guests who visited him, preached the kingdom of God, and taught the things of the Lord Jesus Christ with confidence. He had full liberty. All this was paid for by the Roman government. Only God could work things out this way!
Using our sanctified imaginations, Paul likely entertained both Jews and Gentiles, saved and unsaved. For he received all who came to him. I am sure there were many Roman believers who came to encourage him, and went home encouraged themselves. The end of verse 31 says, “no one forbidding him.” Think how many souls he won to Christ and how many Christians he taught and encouraged during those two years. Paul lived by the words he wrote to the Ephesians, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).
We should use the opportunities God gives us in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in: unemployed or employed, in school or out of school, injured or sick, living alone or with family and or friends, or retired. God always takes care of us so that we can take of His work. God will give us open doors to witness and testify for Him. Opportunities are all around us, we must seize them.
Have a blessed day serving the Lord with joy, confidence, and thanksgiving; no matter our circumstances.
In our King’s service,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 