A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Thursday,
August 19,
2021
A basket of fresh vegetables that Brooksyne made at the Longaberger Homestead in Ohio several years ago.
"Rope
Holders"
Listen
to this message on your audio player.
“When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket" (Acts 9:23-25). "At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands" (2 Corinthians 11:32-33).
“When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket" (Acts 9:23-25). "At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands" (2 Corinthians 11:32-33).
So many world
events grieve and perplex us, presently the earthquake in
Haiti and the horrible situation in Afghanistan. Yesterday
we saw a note from our missionary friend, Tommy Carpenter,
which reminded us of the specific perils that the Christian
population faces there in Afghanistan (see below). So many,
regardless of faith, need rescued, delivered, and protected.
Today we want
to consider a rescue; this one using a very large basket,
likely with a wooden base since it could hold the weight of
a person. Luke wrote about this life-saving basket in the
book of Acts.
Acts 9 records the story of Saul’s conversion where he had gone to Damascus, "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples". But God upset his plans and Saul was dramatically converted.
Acts 9 records the story of Saul’s conversion where he had gone to Damascus, "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples". But God upset his plans and Saul was dramatically converted.
When Saul was
converted God could have directly intervened and
removed the blinding scales from his eyes, but instead His
healing power was released through Ananias, a yielded and
trusting servant of Christ who was willing to pray for and
befriend Saul, who was a notorious terrorist among
believers, especially following the martyrdom of Stephen.
After Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus “he began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God” (Acts 9:23). This resulted in his being pursued by his former partners in persecution of which he had once been a zealous participant. They conspired to kill him. God could have directly delivered Saul when "the Jews plotted to kill him" without human intervention. This is a vital lesson we need to apply in our service for Christ; we need each other.
After Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus “he began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God” (Acts 9:23). This resulted in his being pursued by his former partners in persecution of which he had once been a zealous participant. They conspired to kill him. God could have directly delivered Saul when "the Jews plotted to kill him" without human intervention. This is a vital lesson we need to apply in our service for Christ; we need each other.
Interestingly,
the very ones he had come to persecute days earlier were
now essential in his daring nighttime escape. (Talk about
a turnaround of loyalties in both the Christian’s and
persecutor’s camps.) God used several unnamed
disciples who were instrumental in helping Saul out of town
in the midst of persecution that was aimed directly at him.
They, along with Ananias, (who perhaps was among them)
became the first of many, many ministry associates to Saul,
whom of course we now know as the apostle Paul. He learned
early on that he was part of a team.
These disciples took him by night and let him down
through the wall in a large basket (presumably using ropes).
Can you mentally picture these
disciples tightly holding the ropes as they carefully
lowered him down the city wall in a basket. Of course they
were also putting their own lives in danger. Saul
experienced divine protection in the midst of persecution,
but he would also learn that God’s deliverance often
comes in cooperation with other people. In 2
Corinthians 11 Paul recalls this deliverance, "At Damascus, the governor
under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in
order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket
through a window in the wall and escaped his hands".
These disciples took him by night and let him down
through the wall in a large basket (presumably using ropes).
Can you mentally picture these
disciples tightly holding the ropes as they carefully
lowered him down the city wall in a basket. Of course they
were also putting their own lives in danger. Saul
experienced divine protection in the midst of persecution,
but he would also learn that God’s deliverance often
comes in cooperation with other people. In 2
Corinthians 11 Paul recalls this deliverance, "At Damascus, the governor
under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in
order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket
through a window in the wall and escaped his hands".We are
thankful for the scores of godly people through the years
whom we have teamed up with to advance God’s cause, those
who have held the ropes for us. Many of you receiving this
message have been or are a part of that team. Thank you!
Today consider your life and ministry for Christ. There are surely those who have held the ropes for you. They’ve given a word fitly spoken, interceded in prayer for you, helped you out of a jam, lovingly rebuked you when you needed it (but didn’t really want it), etc.
Consider also those you’ve reached out to and held the ropes for. It may have been hard, inconvenient or even dangerous (as it was for the original rope-holders). But aren’t you thankful these disciples did it? Keep hold of the ropes for fellow believers, for those in missionary service, for your spiritual leaders and for loved ones who’ve not yet submitted their hearts to God!
Today consider your life and ministry for Christ. There are surely those who have held the ropes for you. They’ve given a word fitly spoken, interceded in prayer for you, helped you out of a jam, lovingly rebuked you when you needed it (but didn’t really want it), etc.
Consider also those you’ve reached out to and held the ropes for. It may have been hard, inconvenient or even dangerous (as it was for the original rope-holders). But aren’t you thankful these disciples did it? Keep hold of the ropes for fellow believers, for those in missionary service, for your spiritual leaders and for loved ones who’ve not yet submitted their hearts to God!
Finally back
to the dire conditions in Afghanistan for so many, but
especially followers of Christ. Most of us cannot physically
hold a rope (that is, being physically involved in their
rescue) but we can hold the ropes by being burden bearers
who steadfastly pray for those in peril.
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen
& Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, we’re thankful for the
rope-holders who bear our burdens and encourage
us in times of weakness and difficulty. You work
through such human vessels to convey Your
strength, comfort, protection, and challenge as
we walk together in faith. Help us to be
faithful in doing our part to encourage, pray,
and offer support to those You lay on our hearts
that we may be united and strengthened in our
Christian journey. At this time our hearts are
heavily concerned for our troops in Afghanistan,
for our fellow Americans, for the believers and
Christian leaders, and for the Afghan people
already being enslaved, tortured and killed by
the Taliban. We need a miraculous deliverance
and wise leaders who will do what is necessary
to come to the aid of those in peril. We pray
for the Haitians, many who have lost not just
their homes but family members. Miracle working
God, we pray that "You will deliver the
needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no
one to help. Take pity on the weak and the
needy and save the needy from death. Rescue
them from oppression and violence, for
precious is their blood in Your sight" and
precious they are to their families and friends.
Amen
Daily
prayer: Father, we’re thankful for the
rope-holders who bear our burdens and encourage
us in times of weakness and difficulty. You work
through such human vessels to convey Your
strength, comfort, protection, and challenge as
we walk together in faith. Help us to be
faithful in doing our part to encourage, pray,
and offer support to those You lay on our hearts
that we may be united and strengthened in our
Christian journey. At this time our hearts are
heavily concerned for our troops in Afghanistan,
for our fellow Americans, for the believers and
Christian leaders, and for the Afghan people
already being enslaved, tortured and killed by
the Taliban. We need a miraculous deliverance
and wise leaders who will do what is necessary
to come to the aid of those in peril. We pray
for the Haitians, many who have lost not just
their homes but family members. Miracle working
God, we pray that "You will deliver the
needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no
one to help. Take pity on the weak and the
needy and save the needy from death. Rescue
them from oppression and violence, for
precious is their blood in Your sight" and
precious they are to their families and friends.
AmenSee
Psalm 72:12-14 (adapted)
When
William Carey, the Father of Modern Missions,
was leaving for India as a missionary, he told a
group of interested friends, “Saving souls can
be likened to a man drowning in a deep well and
a volunteer can do nothing unless there are
people who will hold the rope for him to be
lowered till he reaches the drowning man, and
then pull them up to safety.” Carey adds, “I
will go to India as a volunteer to seek sinners
drowning in the well of SIN. But I can’t do it
alone. I need rope-holders. Will you be my
rope-holders?” Perhaps William Carey was
considering today's event when he told this
story.
Here's
the note I read from Tommy Carpenter
concerning Afghanistan:
The
fast-moving and unpredictable situation needs
earnest prayer as requested by various ministry
groups who have served in Afghanistan in
establishing ministry and house churches.
There
is not a single church building in Afghanistan
but during the presence of international forces
in the past 20 years many ministries have
developed disciples and an underground house
church movement.
Now,
the Taliban has started killing house church
pastors, and believers are in danger, as any
believers in Christ will normally suffer the
death penalty under the Taliban’s harsh form of
Islam.
Now,
only the Heavenly Angelic Forces can help to
continue and sustain this church in Afghanistan.
Therefore,
your prayers matter.
Please
Pray:
*
Pray that God’s peace and protection will
envelop the believers and their families and
that they will experience the supernatural
guidance and protection.
* Please pray for many foreign expatriates who were serving as Christian humanitarian agencies will be able to exit the country.
* Pray that every believer of the Body of Christ in Afghanistan will experience God’s grace in a special way. Their presence as salt and light will restrain the evil forces of darkness and evil which try to destroy this land. “The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out. John 1:5
* Pray that peaceful political transition will happen without violence and that all the progress made in the last 20 years with human rights, especially for women will not be taken away.
* Already thousands are displaced fleeing key cities seeking protection from Taliban. The Taliban has cut off all exit points to neighboring countries, especially to Pakistan.
* Please pray for countries in South Asia, Pakistan, and India, who will be able to give refuge to those seeking safety.
* Let us affirm by faith that the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth will rule over what happens in Afghanistan from now on. "Praise and honor the King who rules from heaven!
* Please pray for many foreign expatriates who were serving as Christian humanitarian agencies will be able to exit the country.
* Pray that every believer of the Body of Christ in Afghanistan will experience God’s grace in a special way. Their presence as salt and light will restrain the evil forces of darkness and evil which try to destroy this land. “The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out. John 1:5
* Pray that peaceful political transition will happen without violence and that all the progress made in the last 20 years with human rights, especially for women will not be taken away.
* Already thousands are displaced fleeing key cities seeking protection from Taliban. The Taliban has cut off all exit points to neighboring countries, especially to Pakistan.
* Please pray for countries in South Asia, Pakistan, and India, who will be able to give refuge to those seeking safety.
* Let us affirm by faith that the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth will rule over what happens in Afghanistan from now on. "Praise and honor the King who rules from heaven!
Everything
He does is honest and fair, and He can shatter
the power of those who are proud.” Daniel 4:37
Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental
Resources
"O God, Our Help in Ages Past" Video Congregational singing
"O God, Our Help in Ages Past" Video Congregational singing
"With
Every Act Of Love" Video Jason Gray
"Loving
God, Loving Each Other" Video Gaither Vocal Band
"Do
Something" Video Matthew
West
I
woke up this morning
Saw a world full of trouble now, thought
How'd we ever get so far down, and
How's it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, "God, why don't You do something?"
Well, I just couldn't bear the thought of
People living in poverty
Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, "God, why don't You do something?"
He said, "I did, yeah, I created you" (now listen)
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it's time for us to do something, yeah
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
Oh, it's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something
I'm so tired of talking about
How we are God's hands and feet
But it's easier to say than to be
Live like angels of apathy who tell ourselves
It's alright, "somebody else will do something"
Well, I don't know about you
But I'm sick and tired of life with no desire
I don't want a flame, I want a fire and
I wanna be the one who stands up and says
"I'm gonna do something"
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it's time for us to do something, yes it is, come on
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
Oh oh, it's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something
We are the salt of the earth
We are a city on a hill
We're never gonna change the world
By standing still
No, we won't stand still
No, we won't stand still
No, we won't stand still
No
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now
It's time for us to do something
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
It's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something
It's time for us to do something
It's time for us to do something
Lyric video by Matthew West performing Do Something. (C) 2014 Sparrow Records
Saw a world full of trouble now, thought
How'd we ever get so far down, and
How's it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, "God, why don't You do something?"
Well, I just couldn't bear the thought of
People living in poverty
Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, "God, why don't You do something?"
He said, "I did, yeah, I created you" (now listen)
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it's time for us to do something, yeah
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
Oh, it's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something
I'm so tired of talking about
How we are God's hands and feet
But it's easier to say than to be
Live like angels of apathy who tell ourselves
It's alright, "somebody else will do something"
Well, I don't know about you
But I'm sick and tired of life with no desire
I don't want a flame, I want a fire and
I wanna be the one who stands up and says
"I'm gonna do something"
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it's time for us to do something, yes it is, come on
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
Oh oh, it's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something
We are the salt of the earth
We are a city on a hill
We're never gonna change the world
By standing still
No, we won't stand still
No, we won't stand still
No, we won't stand still
No
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now
It's time for us to do something
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
It's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something
It's time for us to do something
It's time for us to do something
Lyric video by Matthew West performing Do Something. (C) 2014 Sparrow Records
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Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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