Day 190

1 Chronicles 7:1–8:40; Acts 27:1-20; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 18:22

ALTHOUGH PAUL USED every opportunity he was given to share the good news about Jesus with the most influential people in his world, he ultimately appealed his case to Caesar as a Roman citizen, rather than being transported back to Jerusalem to be tried among people sworn to kill him. In today’s reading, Paul set sail for Rome in the custody of Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment.

The ship was scheduled to make several stops along the way, and at the port in Myra, Paul was transferred to another ship heading for Italy. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating, and it became clear they would need to find port for the winter before going on to Rome.

In Fair Havens, Paul spoke prophetically about the dangers of continuing the journey, but those guarding him did not heed his advice —and so we ended our reading for today in a storm so severe that the sun and stars were blotted out, and all hope was lost.

In our reading from Psalms today, we were told, “The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies” (Psalm 7:14).

The language for how deception comes into the world is quite provocative. Conception is a very intimate act —as is pregnancy and birth. In this passage, David revealed poetically how wickedness privately and intimately schemes evil, which incubates trouble and eventually gives birth to deceit —scary stuff to fool with, indeed.

He goes on to show what the result looks like: “They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves. The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads” (Psalm 7:15-16).

In other words, if we’re going to give birth to lies, then we must realize that the result will be our own entrapment. It would be wise to remember this passage the next time we are tempted to fabricate a false reality in thought, word, or deed. Only the truth will set us free (John 8:32).

MEDITATION:

God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.