Finally Arrived

And so we came to Rome. Now the believers from there had heard the news about us and had come to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the three taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. When we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

He then stayed on two years in his own rented house. He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching things concerning The Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance. Acts 28:14b-16; 30-31

Paul finally made it to his destination, Rome. Like in any arduous journey the completion, when met by those you long to see, is edifying.

Many will travel at this time of the year to visit family and dear friends. Some we have not seen for many years, some since youth. For some the meetings will be a blessing, for others a disappointment. Little children will be brought along and in some cases subjected to age old disputes and unforgiveness, when they had nothing to do with the offense.

I have two cousins, who are brothers, and not talking all because of a dispute between their children. The elder of the two carries his dead father's nature, easily offended and volatile. Both brothers have children and grandchildren who see this and do not understand.

When Paul went to Rome he called the Jewish elders to give his account of his reason for being in chains in the first place. They heard him out because they wanted to know about this 'Way' Paul was promoting. They knew it had caused disturbances throughout Asia. Paul had been rejected by the Jews in most places and persecuted for his testimony. The Roman Jews had not done this, this was different.

Christianity was a rock of offense. In my world, my decision to leave the Catholic Church when I was 19 was huge in my extended family. It would have been better for me to remain a catholic and not go to church. Crazy!

Offense comes, we cannot avoid all offense, but to be the instigator is not good and worse still to be the one who never let's it drop even worse. Many people want Christmas to be a time of magic and healing. The only true healer is Jesus Christ and having Him in our lives, being Lord of all. He brings peace and life, nothing else can do it. Amen!