Paul The Traveler
This is an audio recording of Paul the Traveler, the Day 22 entry in Today: Devotions for Seafarers (Vol. 2) by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Donielle Hart Goad or read the text below:
“After I have completed this task . . . .I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”
We are so used to commercial ships, cruise ships, airplanes, trains, and automobiles that it would be difficult to imagine traveling long distances on foot, by horse, or on a sailing ship, as Paul did. We all know people who like to go hiking or sailing for fun, but we would not imagine taking a hike or a sailboat to work. It would take too much energy.
In a time long before engines and electricity, the apostle Paul traveled a great deal. That must have been tiring, and it probably required lots of patience. So when we read that Paul longed to see the believers in Rome on his way to Spain, we can better understand his anticipation.
Paul's journeys were hard not only because of the distances he traveled but also because of resistance to the gospel message, the good news that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Though groups of believers gathered to hear him, Paul often faced conflicts with local political and religious leaders. Paul wrote about this in another letter: "I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers" (2 Corinthians 11:26).
And yet Paul pushed on. His goal was nothing less than to share in "the full measure of the blessing of Christ."
In your journey, what trials have you faced? Why?
For Further Thought
Paul spent a lot of energy talking about Jesus. Why?
Do you know the "full measure of the blessing of Christ"? Explain.
What might you pray for to know Christ better?
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for prophets, apostles, and teachers who have served you faithfully. May my goal also be to share your good news with others. My life is in your hands. Amen.
