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Protection Of God Through Human Law
10/20/2016

Daily Devotions: by Christina Farris

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 KJV
(8) For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
(9) But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
(10) Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

Paul went into danger area called Ephesus. Paul journey took him many places. He was stone and beaten in more then one town. Yet this trip to Asia only shows God’s protective hand among the gentile rulers. The issue that occurred was what Paul said was taking work from those who made idols. Yet the law land did not prevent Paul from speaking. Freedom of speech in our land has protected people for centuries. It is a freedom to speak out. Paul had spoken out about idols made with human hand. Yet what he spoke was true, it took work away from idol carvers. There was no law that said Paul could not talk against a goddess though it be in his best interest if he did not because of the people love for the goddess Diana.

If one enters into writing about politics there is always disagreement. Last night debate was handled better then the last several and yet, I do not feel the candidates are equal in ability to compete on issues, though both candidates express their own opinion clearly. Those that love either candidate will give one a quick response two why they should like another if they desire an argument. Yet it more then argument. I can think of reasons not to vote for either candidate and it my reason to consider not. Yet the alternative probably is no better. The point there was a rivalry in Ephesus over god and goddess. The ruler happened to be a Jew and yet knew Ephesus compassion for their goddess. Paul was a Christian teaching about Christ resurrection not believed by the Jews. Yet all three groups could look at the law and say this is application of the law.

God’s use of man manmade laws to protect his people has saved more then one Christian in history no doubt. It is our own freedom of religion that will protect Christians in times when our nation is not ruled by Christian leaders. Yet there well always be disagreement between religions, the protection of faith is protected by the constitution, Christians only have to stand up for their rights from time to time. This in truth is not unusual. Books and prayer that brings strife and not peace like in school is then removed. Freedom of faith not forbidden but forbidden to show inequality of faith is establish to protect all types of faith. Logos on shirts only express faith, does not necessarily recruit. Yet those that wear offense t shirts to Christians are then angered when their shirt must be removed from school.

Can different faith survive in a land of freedom. According to God’s law no, but according to society laws including in Israel at the time of David and Solomon it was permitted to have different faiths. God’s law said no other gods before me. Yet the protection of our faith and freedom of faith allows us to worship no other God but God by our own choosing and to obey the law of the worship of our God as individuals. It is when we expect everyone else to be like us that is an issue. Yet most Christians want others to be Christians it is a freedom of choice.

Continual Scripture Study for Devotion:Acts 19:22-41 KJV
(22) So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
(23) And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
(24) For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
(25) Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
(26) Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
(27) So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
(28) And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
(29) And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
(30) And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
(31) And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
(32) Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
(33) And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
(34) But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
(35) And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
(36) Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
(37) For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
(38) Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
(39) But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
(40) For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
(41) And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.