“DO NOT BE AFRAID… FOR I AM WITH YOU” (Acts 18:9)

⏰Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter (After Ascension – 06 May 2016)

📖Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; John 16:20-23a

There was a time when multiple chariots of the Arameans came to arrest the prophet Elisha. His servant felt helpless at that sight. With the prayers of the prophet, the servant’s eyes were opened and he saw that chariots of fire that were protecting the prophet was greater than that of the Arameans (2 Kings 6:15-17).

Remember what we reflected on yesterday. We noted that Christ’s ascension into heaven does not really mean a departure from us. In fact, it means that he is now free from any restrictions in attending to our needs. Now, the Jews can no longer oppose him, neither can the enemy triumph over his disciples.

Look at this encounter between Paul and the Jews in Corinth (Acts 18:9-18). We were told that the Lord appeared to Paul in a vision and reminded him, “Do not be afraid…for I am with you” (Acts 18:9). As in the case of Elisha’s servant, God informed him that he has many people in the city.

Remember that Jesus has been raised over all dominion (Eph 1:20-21). Now he can use any authority as he wills (cf. Ps 115:3). So he used the judgement of the proconsul Gallio to make the Jews turn against themselves (cf. Acts 18:17) instead of joining forces against Paul.

One with God is indeed with the majority. Jesus never fails to tell us, “Do not be afraid…for I am with you.” Our present sorrows and different sufferings are only temporary because he is coming to restore our joy and no one would be able to take it from us (cf. John 16:22).

Do not doubt but believe. May you have a joyous and victorious day ahead under the protection of the ascended Christ, amen.

Peace be with you.