As far as living arrangements are concerned, I've been in less comfortable places than military barracks, but not many. Open bay barracks are especially impersonal; cramped sleeping conditions, rampant theft and the obvious lack of privacy all work toward an experience most memorable. Still, people can make a home anywhere if necessary.

On one particular first century evening, Paul was in just such a place; Roman barracks to be precise. He was taken there for his own protection.

He could have been staring out one of windows of the rectangular structure, reflecting on the tumultuous events of just a couple of days prior. He couldn't have known what was about to happen next, right there in that cold, Roman structure, although after the previous days' beatings and arrest, I suppose he would have thought anything possible.

On this particular night, the barracks would have two extra guests, not one. Jesus, himself, showed up to encourage Paul and to tell him where he would eventually be called to. How amazing this must have been for Paul. In that moment, Paul was in the presence of the Lamb of God; in the same city where Jesus, himself, had been abused and crucified. In fact, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that some of the soldiers that were protecting Paul from the mob could have been some of the same soldiers that took Jesus into the Praetorium where they mocked and beat him. What an incredible moment for Paul. Who better to arrive and provide comfort?

Here's the thing: Jesus identifies with us...each of us. Just like he identified with Paul and his suffering in Jerusalem, he identifies with our struggles, failing bodies, and fears as well. There is no place that he cannot find us and encourage us. Indeed, he can find us in the very heart of enemy territory. For Paul, Jesus found him confined, in a cold Roman barracks room in Jerusalem.

When he finds us, in that moment, he not only comforts and lifts us up, but he also gives us a glimpse of our purpose to come.