Straight

Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23 

“Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, ‘My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.’”

Acts 23:1

Paul’s posture, gaze, and words were not of a guilty criminal, but of a man confident in his right standing with God and men. This confidence in front of the most powerful body of leaders in Judaism infuriated the Sanhedrin’s leadership.

How do we approach challenging or even hostile environments?

Paul lived free in his spirit and straight in his demeanor. Shame causes us to avert our gaze and avoid direct communication. Paul looked straight, spoke straight and lived straight.

What challenges are we avoiding, or what assignments are we ‘ducking’ because we lack the inner resources to walk straight into the fray?

Paul’s choice to face the Jews in Jerusalem was connected to his shameless defense of the Gospel and the power of God to transform lives.

What is God inviting us to say or do, ‘straight up’?

“Lord Jesus, you are my sufficiency and my strength. Thank you for your boldness this day, for your glory.”