Day 352 "Who Do You Need to Forgive?"

 

Passage: Acts 21:8

 

Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven.

 

Devotion:

If you remember back to Acts 6, there was a problem in the Jerusalem church with the fair and equitable distribution of food to Greek widows. As a result the Apostles appointed seven men (who met certain qualifications) to oversee this and other administrative functions. You can deduce by the fact that the word Seven is capitalized in our passage today, twenty years later these men were not only highly thought of, but also widely known by the church as a whole.

 

Stephen, you will recall was one of Phillip's contemporaries and was also identified as one of the Seven. It was Stephen's death by stoning and the ensuing "great persecution" that scattered the church and ultimately resulted in Phillip's coming to reside in Caesarea. Who was the one who approved and held the coats of those who stoned Stephen? Who was the one who led the aggressive persecution of the church--literally throwing countless Christians in jail, and forcing Phillip to flee Jerusalem? None other that Paul--the same Paul who now stayed at the home of Phillip in Caesarea. Wouldn't you have liked to be a fly on the wall to listen in on their conversation?

 

It is difficult to imagine how two former arch enemies had become so close that one would be invited to stay in the home of the other. No matter what he did Paul could never make up for the death, pain, and suffering he had caused; and conversely Philip would have difficulty on his own finding true forgiveness for Paul. The only way brotherhood would be possible is with and through the atoning sacrifice and cleansing blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This example and lesson is as relevant for us today as it was two thousand years ago. He who has ears let him hear!

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

The Bible tells us to forgive because we have been forgiven. It does not say to forgive only reluctantly and if the opposing party has begged for our forgiveness. Unfortunately few of us will ever experience a Paul/Philip experience--one in which we observe the other person becoming so completely transformed that it would make it easier to forgive him. Forgiveness comes both first and last. Understand that Jesus has already paid the price for every transgression. Who do you need to forgive? What bitterness do you need to let go of?? Even if the other person never asks for forgiveness will you forgive them?

 

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Day 353 "A Home Known for Hospitality and Spirituality"

 

Passage: Acts 21:9

 

[Speaking of Philip] He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 

 

Devotion:

 

The few words of our passage today tell us a lot about Philip and his family. We already know from our previous passage, they were a hospitable family (because Paul and his companions had been invited to stay with them); and today we catch a glimpse of their spiritual nature. How do we know about their spiritual nature? By the evidence presented: Philip "had four unmarried daughters [virgins] who prophesied."

 

Caesarea has been described by Biblical historians as "a wicked, sin-filled, hedonistic beach city, dominated by Gentiles". Yet Philip's daughters were identified as being pure--virgins. Philip must have taught his daughters that, as Proverbs 6:32 declares, the person involved in sexual immorality destroys his/her own soul. Philip's daughters have also been described as each having the gift of prophecy which was one of the first century church's most valuable spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 14:1 "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." [Continued in verse 3] "Everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort." It is so important for us to stress within our own families the importance and blessing of purity and the spiritual gifts that follow and flow from it -- especially as our society bombards our children with messages about sexual promiscuity and permissiveness.

 

We were first introduced to Philip in Acts 6 as a dedicated worker; then later in Acts 8 as a dynamic preacher; now we see him in Acts 21 as a devoted father. I think there is a strong connection between the hospitality of Philip's home and the spirituality of his house. Philip lived to serve the Lord, and in this same way his daughters reflected his servant's heart.

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

What does the hospitality of your home and spirituality of your children say about you and your heart? For some, like Philip, it heaps volumes of praise upon us. For others--well let's just say we hope everyone does not judge us by the actions of our children. If we want to have a home more like Philip's (hospitable and spiritual), what can we do? Jesus gives us the answer in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well". We can't protect our children from every negative influence out there, but we can surely lead by example. What has your example been lately? Are you seeking His kingdom? Anything need to change?