Acts 23:1-35

Burn Notice

A few months ago I started getting into a TV show called Burn Notice. The main character is a burned spy named Michael Weston. He knows how to do everything and is cooler than Steve Jobs at a share holders’ meeting. You never know if the solution is going to be some amazing high tech wizardry or as low tech as an oscillating fan. The situation may be resolved by a fine bit of improvised acting or his knowledge of basically every major language know to mankind. And if Michael can’t handle it then his buddy Sam can get the needed info, or his girlfriend Fiona can blow it up. It’s great fun to watch.

This chapter reminds me of Burn Notice. Paul isn’t Michael Weston but his God certainly uses any and all means to come to his rescue.

First he appears before the Sanhedrin. The situation looks pretty tense. All Paul does is say that he has a good conscience before God. Whack! The high priest orders that the law be broken in order to punish Paul for saying that he has a clear conscience. This isn’t going too well. Then, suddenly, he gets a word of wisdom from the Holy Spirit. He simply says, “I am a Pharisee and I am here because I believe in the resurrection of the dead.” Bingo! The place erupts into a cat fight and Paul is delivered.

The next night Paul has a supernatural visitation from the Lord telling him to not be afraid because he is going to go to Rome. We don’t know yet what will happen in Rome but we do know that nothing can keep him from going there. Knowledge is power.

Then the Jews plot against Paul to kill him. This time the solution is decidedly low tech. Paul’s nephew hears about it. (It seem almost strange to think of Paul having a sister, but he did. I wonder if he called her on her birthday?) Paul’s nephew tells Paul and then tells the Roman commander. It’s pretty normal but very effective.

Then we see the Roman government springing into action to protect Paul. The same Roman government that was used to crucify Jesus is now used to protect Paul. Don’t tell me that all governments aren’t in God’s hands.

In this one chapter we have: a word of wisdom, a supernatural visitation, an overheard secret plot, and government intervention of a good kind. Burn Notice is an OK fantasy, but God is real and He can do anything, anytime, and anyway He wants. Wouldn’t it be a bore to serve a God who always did the same thing the same way?