Unstoppable! 'Bound for Rome ' — Acts 25:12

Monday, November 25, 2024

Festus conferred with his advisers [after Paul appealed for his case to be heard before Caesar] and then replied, "Very well! You have appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar you will go!"

— Acts 25:12 NLT

Key Thought

Paul longed to get to Rome, and even beyond Rome, to share the message of Jesus in places where people had not yet heard the Good News of Jesus.* Despite all the difficulties and many dangerous situations he would have to confront (see the Unstoppable for Nov. 23), he was bound for Rome, thanks to the legal system available to him. The events that unfold in his story are similar to Jesus' own story, in that the Lord fulfilled the Father's will but also was taken to the cross by evil people.** Paul's course was set and now Rome's justice system would be God's vehicle to get the apostle where the Lord wanted him to be. God's will was, and still is, unstoppable! God works in ways we cannot see or understand. We are left with the words of Paul to the believers in Rome to express this glorious hope shrouded in divine mystery:

Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
...
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33, 36)

* See our first set of Related Scripture Readings.
** See our second set of Related Scripture Readings.

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, I want to live my life in congruence with your will for me. I know that I can sometimes lose my focus, my passion, and my holy commitment. Despite these failures, you know my heart wants to please you, honor you, and complete your mission for me. Forgive my failures — and in requesting this forgiveness, I am confident you already have granted it. Empower me with Holy Spirit power. Tune my heart and my ways to your faithfulness, character, and compassion I see exemplified in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 1:8-15, 15:23-29; Acts 20:18-24
  • Acts 2:22-24

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 25:12 NLT — Festus conferred with his advisers [after Paul appealed for his case to be heard before Caesar] and then replied, "Very well! You have appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar you will go!"

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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