Day 189

1 Chronicles 5:18–6:81; Acts 26:1-32; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 18:20-21

IN OUR READING from Acts today, Paul again had the opportunity to share the gospel while defending himself against the accusations of the Jewish religious leaders. His audience was the newly appointed Roman governor Festus, King Herod Agrippa II, and the king’s sister Bernice (with whom it is speculated the king had an incestuous relationship). Agrippa and Bernice were siblings of Drusilla —the wife of the previous governor, Felix, with whom Paul had spent so much time.

“Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” King Agrippa II asked Paul when he concluded his testimony.

Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:28-29).

Once again, it is important to note that Paul was allowed and invited to speak the truth of the gospel to some of the most influential people in the entire world of his time. He openly shared Jesus with two Roman governors, the Jewish high council, the king, and two of the king’s sisters.

He didn’t get starstruck. He didn’t try to mastermind his own freedom. He unflinchingly shared the Good News even though he was a prisoner. And it was his imprisonment that had opened the door to this interaction.

What we have in the example of the apostle Paul is a good look at complete devotion to Jesus —the kind of loyalty that can only be borne out of intimate relationship.

Paul’s testimony brought disruption everywhere he went because it forced a reinterpretation of ancient customs and rituals. But it also revealed God’s loving heart and personal interest in the restoration of humanity. Paul experienced the same reactions that Jesus Himself faced, because this is what awakening elicits.

May we remember that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead and compelled Paul to such devotion is also the Spirit who is available to guard and guide our lives as we continue to bring light and Good News to our world.

MEDITATION:

Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.