Read Acts 21 & 22
Winter Smith
I was asked to write a devotion for Acts chapters 21 & 22 while traveling in Italy with my son for his senior class trip. We just came back from a catacombs tour, where we saw the grave of a young Christian female martyr. Her statue above her grave showed a replica of her body with a slit across her neck. This young girl was beheaded, as a Roman citizen, for her faith. I learned that Roman citizens were given a humane death, as opposed to being thrown out to wild beasts.
After reading my assigned Acts prompt, I immediately saw the correlation and noticed that Paul was in Rome, standing before a bloodthirsty crowd, declaring his Roman citizenship.
“As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty? ”When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered. Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.” Romans 22:25-29
His Roman citizenship solidified his fate to have a guaranteed trial and not be whipped on the spot.
As God’s adoptive children, we, too, have a birthright. We not only are welcomed into the heavenly gates to spend eternity with Christ, but we also have the promise of the Spirit to lead, guide, comfort, and protect us in this life. Walk confidently today, my sisters and brothers! The One who came before us has conquered this life, and we have nothing to fear. Don’t believe the lies that the enemy throws at you! You are loved, chosen, and have a heavenly birthright!
Prayer Prompt:
Father, with You, I can do anything! I thank You for going before me in all that I do, for walking this life with me. Father, help me to boldly and confidently walk Your way, understanding my place in Your Kingdom. Thank You for my birthright, and help me not take it for granted. Help me to lean in more to see You, hear You, feel You, and know You more!
