Sun.’s Devo - Paul’s Injustice

Read: 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17; Acts 25:1-27; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 18:19 We finish the genealogy of Judah which include all the kings. Judah was the largest tribe. Jabez, whose prayer was recorded, came from that tribe. He was the product of a very painful birth. He prayed for God to bless him and expand his territory and be with him in all he did and keep him from trouble and pain. God granted his request. Some of his descendants were pottery makers. *** The next tribe was Simeon which didn’t grow very large but they completely destroyed the descendants of Ham from their land and took their houses. *** Rueben, Jacob’s first-born gave up his birthright when he slept with his father’s concubines. Judah received his blessing and became the most powerful tribe which provided the kings. Rueben’s birthright was given to the sons of Joseph which were Ephraim and Manasseh. *** The next tribe was Gad. They lived east of the Jordan along with the tribes of Rueben and the half-tribe of Manasseh. *** In Acts, Festus had arrived in Caesarea to begin his new position. In Jerusalem he met with the leading priests and other Jewish leaders who hated Paul. They asked Festus to transfer Paul to Jerusalem so they could ambush and kill him on the way. He didn’t comply to their wishes. He told them they could return with him and make their accusations there. He would decide if Paul was guilty or innocent. *** When Festus returned to Caesarea he took his seat in the court and ordered to see Paul. The Jewish leaders made their accusations against him. Festus realized none of their accusations were about breaking laws but about whether Jesus was alive or dead. *** Paul denied their charges and said he was innocent of any crime against their laws and Rome’s. Festus asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem to stand trial but Paul refused knowing he would never get a fair trial in Jerusalem. He appealed to Caesar in Rome, instead. Festus was very glad to be freed from making the decision himself so he agreed to send him to Caesar. *** Days later, King Agrippa came to visit Festus. Festus discussed Paul’s case with him and Agrippa asked to see Paul. Festus was happy to let him hear Paul’s story so he would know what to write to Caesar since he wasn’t guilty of any crime. *** Lord, I am reminded of all the people in prison strictly because people hate them like the J-6 people. May you set free all who are innocent and wrongly accused. May you grant them great peace and comfort as they await their release. God of Justice bring your justice to our nation and the world.