Jesus had just appeared to Paul, confirming his itinerary to Rome. But as the vision fades, the plot thickens. Forty fanatics swear not to eat or drink until they kill Paul. The outstanding scholar who had been groomed for greatness by the great Rabbi Gamaliel now stands isolated from both the Church and Judaism. A stone that the builders rejected. But the end is not yet. 

Paul’s nephew hears of the plot and exposes it. The Roman officer-in-charge sends Paul to Felix the Governor of Judea, escorted by two centurions, 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen. Felix places Paul under guard in Herod’s magnificent five-star palace on the beach at Caesarea (Acts 23:11-35). We are reminded of Martin Luther, safely tucked away at Wartburg Castle, after being condemned as a heretic. A mighty fortress is our God.

This is the third time the Romans rescue Paul from death at the hands of religious extremists. On the one hand, this is Luke the apologist assuring his civic-conscious readers that the Jesus Movement is peaceful. It poses no threat to state, society or religious harmony. The troublemakers are always outsiders.

On the other hand, this is Luke the missionary assuring you that, if God sends you on a mission to the ends of the earth, you’ll get there one way or another. Whether you’re smuggled out in a homely basket (Acts 9:25), or aided by a small boy (Acts 23:16-22), or escorted by a force of 470 fighting men (Acts 23:23-35), God will surely get you there. Let Him choose the means.

We often fret too much over the means. We have contingency plan upon contingency plan. But very often, it is precisely when everything goes wrong that God steps in and takes over. Sometimes by massive intervention. At other times by means so tenuous it looks like an accident. God is able to save by many or by few. We prefer the cavalry, but God often chooses the small boy. We prefer the mighty fortress, but God often uses the flimsy basket. That’s why He sent His disciples out empty-handed and barefoot (Matthew 10:9-10).

All things synergise for good. Through a series of ordinary events, extraordinary events and narrow escapes, God is taking Paul to Rome. Not as a VIP in first class. But as a prisoner in chains. And 40 hungry assassins have to find a way out of their oath.

Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few (1 Samuel 14:6). We prefer the many. God prefers the few. Less is more in the economy of the Kingdom.

• Dear Pastor, are you in a fix? Is your church facing a public relations crisis? Bad press? Fake news? Fret not. Fear not. Don’t let well-meaning people confuse you with their many contingency plans. Look up. God is in control. Thank Him for whatever means He will use to untangle you from the mess and bring you deeper into His purpose. Entrust yourself and your church into His hands. Your past. Your present. Your future. Your family. Your team. Your members. And yes, your reputation. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord.” (Proverbs 3:5-7) Declare: A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing! 

• Dear Citizen, is Singapore in a tight spot? The geopolitical scene is unnerving. As CNBC noted: Many nations around the world find themselves in a delicate balancing act between US and Chinese interests, but one island nation perhaps typifies that struggle. Singapore is a hub for global finance and trade, and so its relationships with the world’s two largest economies are vital to its survival (October 19, 2017). In such a time as this, fear not. Look up. Invite God to step in and take over. And even though God delights to save by slender means, He occasionally displays His glory through massive intervention – as in the Exodus. So go ahead, ask big.
  Declare Truth: “Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: That power belongs to God, and that to You, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.” (Psalm 62:11-12) Dear God, we rest secure in your steadfast love which never ceases (Lamentations 3:22). You are our good Father. You are greater than any superpower. You will overthrow every human or demonic conspiracy against Your design for this Little Red Dot. We believe, amen!

• Dear Christian, can Singapore count on us? The early Christian Apologist Justin Martyr assured the Roman Emperor that Christianity was no threat to the State, and that Christians were, in fact, his best helpers and allies in promoting peace. Are we our government’s best advocates and allies in promoting peace and preserving the good order of Singapore? We should be: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18) “Give no offence to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:32) Pray: Lord Jesus, use us as Your ambassadors of peace and reconciliation. Grant us wisdom to live faithfully as dual citizens – first, of the Kingdom of Heaven, and second, of the Republic of Singapore. We pledge our allegiance to both God and country. We render to You the things that are Yours, and to the Singapore Government, the things that belong to it. God bless Singapore.