Acts 26:24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 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.” 30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” 32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” * Paul hits the nail on the head. He knows that Agrippa and Bernice know of the Jewish prophecies that claim the Messiah’s coming. Paul knows he is headed for, well, ultimately death once he gets to the Caesar. He hopes beyond anything else that the people in the room hearing his testimony will become believers in the Messiah. I know how he feels. Christians have a hard time dealing with the fact that they believe that many of their closest and dearest friends are going to die without knowing the risen Lord. The key is to not harden your heart. Love them anyway. We share the gospel with our friends, they ultimately reject it, there’s nothing that says “write them off and go on your merry way”. The scripture says to love them. Love them all the more! Make sure they know you love them. Make sure they know you’re human. Being a Christian doesn’t make us perfect. This side of eternity we will always be flawed. But loving someone even in a flawed state will help us fulfill one of the two greatest commandments!
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 10:21:23 +0000
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