Acts 27:3. “And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.” UNTO HIS FRIENDS. A common Source of uncommon interest – not just a passing game; These were friends who kept in touch even when they seldom came To a place they could meet and have good fellowship face to face, But often they met together in spirit when they met at the throne of grace.
Their commitment was primarily based on each being committed to God. An interest was deepened on each one’s part – each was redeemed by precious blood. The claims of Christ on each held them with velvet bands of love. Each knows the value of a soul sharing the blessings each one had.
More important than their occupation and often family ties, Is a friendship based on faith in God – that's where such friendship lies. Testing times because of faith or work in the kingdom will come. These times draw friends closer finding spiritual refreshment in their homes.
Pressures come from the world around and sometimes from within. We find refreshment to the soul especially when confronted with some sin. That’s when a friend is needed most when there’s a load too hard to bear, And the friend is there to talk to and is willing the burden to share.
Even those who don’t know grace, nor have they experienced God’s salvation, Recognize the value of friendship, like Julius during Paul’s incarceration. I may not be actually in chains but there are bonds from time to time – A kindred spirit or a special friendship assures me the load’s not only mine.
Friendship goes two ways – each one is blessed and encouraged by the other. A friend who drops in unexpectedly is as welcome as father and mother - Because I know my friend is as glad to see me as I am glad to see him. True friends know, generally speaking – I have nothing to hide from them.
There is One Special Friend it’s true, whose holy friendship is unique. Many times a day, His friendship and guidance do I seek. He is always near to hear my call and give good counsel to me. Now, and through eternal ages ahead, friendship with the Lord will always be.
“It truly is refreshing, Gracious Father, when Christian friends get together. Sometimes it is those unexpected times that are the most significant. Paul would certainly have been refreshed after the tensions of the hearings he had to endure and the slow journey on that ship. May I have a sensitivity to the need of friends. I have a fear of imposing on them and I think sometimes I have missed an opportunity to be a help or blessing. Give me the spiritual eyesight to act on what the Spirit guides me to do. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”