Providence
Scripture Reading: Acts 23
Big doors swing on tiny hinges. History is often determined by the accidental, incidental, seemingly inconsequential circumstances of life. Take, for example, the deliverance of Paul from an assassination attempt. Paul’s nephew happened to overhear a plot to kill his uncle. He found Paul and told him what he had heard. Paul sent his nephew to the Roman tribune who, when he heard about the assassination plot, quickly beefed up Paul’s protection and then had him secretly escorted out of town.
Hypothetically, had Paul’s nephew not overheard the plot, Paul would have been murdered. And, well, that would have changed a lot of New Testament and church history. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in the Lord. Theologically speaking, we could put these kinds of happenings under the heading of Providence.
The word “Providence” comes from two Latin words: “Pro,” which means “before or on behalf of,” and “vide” which means “to see.” Put those two words together and you have a word that means “to see beforehand,” or “to see and give help.” The second of those two is closer to a correct understanding, but the word “Providence” includes both. The idea is that God sees beforehand and makes provision or gives help for what he sees.
In this instance, God saw the evil plot being hatched against Paul, but he also saw the purposes and plans he intended to carry out through Paul’s life. God made provision in the form of a young man (Paul’s nephew), who just happened to be in the right place at the right time, and who had a natural affection and concern for his uncle that caused him to act on what he overheard. He was a tiny hinge on which a massive door swung.
We tend to see only the big doors with their impressive glass and pretty trim. We don’t usually notice the hinges. But doors don’t function without hinges. Take heart. It is great to be a hinge. Live a faithful life. Do good. Love God. Love people. God is Providence. No telling what doors are opening and closing on your tiny hinge.