December 4 - Acts 24:1-26:32

Good morning everyone,

As we begin this morning, Paul, has escaped a murderous plot against his life and is in Caesarea awaiting trial before Felix. His accusers, Ananias the high priest, Tertullus an attorney and several of the Jewish leaders arrived, traveling the sixty miles to bring false accusations against Paul.

Tertullus presented their case making three accusations against Paul in hopes Felix would deem Paul guilty and execute him. They claimed, 1) He was a trouble maker. 2) He was a ringleader of a religious cult. 3) He had tried to desecrate the temple. When they were finished Paul spoke in his defense, speaking directly to Felix as if a friend, discrediting the accusations. Paul accounted for everywhere he had been and what he had been up to pointing out he had broken no laws. But the coolest thing is Paul used this opportunity to share the Gospel and with that we’re told, “Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” But he never did.

Felix rejected the truth. He heard it, it even made him squirm a bit, made him feel uncomfortable; so much so that he sent Paul away choosing to put the conversation off until a “more convenient” time. I would suggest to you that things haven’t changed all that much in the two thousand years since. Too many people today are blinded, they have hard hearts and they just do not want to listen to God saying, “Come back later when it is more convenient.” We all know people like that. Right.

Paul never let that problem detour him he kept on sharing and re-sharing the Good News. He took God’s message to anyone and everyone no matter rich or poor despite rejection. After sharing with King Agrippa, he said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” I love that! What a beautiful prayer, one that we should echo for all those we know and love who continue to reject God’s precious gift. 

Praying is our greatest weapon in fighting for the hearts of those unsaved. In Matthew Jesus taught us how to pray to the Father, it is so easy to do. Our prayers don’t have to be long ones. In 1 Kings 18:36-37 Elijah spoke these few words, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again”, and that’s all that was necessary for God to answer and reveal Himself powerfully to everyone present. Is that awesome or what? Our Abba wants us to pray. In James it says, “You do not have, because you do not ask.” Let us all be a people in Christ who do ask and with a confidence that we will receive. Amen?

Have a great day to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..