But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
Acts 23:16 (NIV)
To get Paul from Jerusalem to Rome, God uses a plot orchestrated by 40 men who were so committed to killing Paul that they refused to eat or drink, having sworn an oath that they would not do either until they had successfully accomplished the deed. Their trap is simple. They wanted Paul brought out of the barracks so they could ambush him on the way to court and kill him.
This text conveys a clear message for us as we navigate life amidst the reality of traps that are always being laid for us: God’s providence always includes God’s protection. Who He saves, He protects.
What is striking is how that protection shows up. It does not appear as an angel with a flaming sword. It comes through a young man whose name we are never told. This young man is Paul’s nephew, and his existence is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture, but he becomes an instant hero with one wise decision. After overhearing the plot to kill Paul, he moved quickly, and his actions saved Paul’s life.
From that, we learn an important principle: The power of God in our lives to bless us often comes through human agency. God intervenes in many ways, and one of those ways is through other people. There are people in your life who may not have been your choice, but they are God’s assignment. God uses these people to advance our lives and to keep us in the center of His will.
God works through everyday people, and I encourage you to treat them with the gratitude that they deserve. Maybe it was a praying grandparent, a parent who didn’t give up, a teacher who believed in you when you did not believe in yourself, a friend who called at the right time. I’m so glad somebody had me on their mind enough to take the time to pray for me.
Do not dismiss the “ordinary” people around you. No relationship in your life is accidental. God’s protection can often come wearing a familiar face. Don’t overlook the fact that the people who may seem common in your life might be on divine assignment.
Thank God today for the unseen protection that has come through human hands, human counsel, and human care. You did not make it here by yourself. God has been protecting you through people all along.
