TO WHOM ARE YOU SENT? “Now as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, `Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you” (Acts 24:25, NLT). When time is short we must make the most of every opportunity and waste nothing. Ordinarily if we speak the Word to someone and they send us away the best advice is to leave. Unfortunately, Paul was in prison and could not get away. Felix sent for him often but nothing ever changed. In this manner Paul witnessed to Felix for two years without any result whatsoever. Clearly this was a ruse of the enemy designed to frustrate the gifted apostle and sap his strength. Paul the prisoner had no choice but to come when Felix called for him; we who are free ought to be careful lest we find ourselves spending all our time talking to a Felix when there is a Cornelius praying to hear us speak the very words that Felix takes for granted. Jesus says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Often we take the easy yoke and the light burden of the Lord and turn it into a difficult yoke and a heavy burden. This happens when we go beyond the place God has appointed us and take it upon ourselves to do things He has not called us to do, go to places He has not called us to go to, and speak with people to whom we have not been sent. We cannot afford to become narrow-minded and legalistic in this regard, however. Jesus clearly stated that He was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24); but that did not stop Him from ministering to an occasional Samaritan woman or Roman officer. Jesus recognized that these, too, were part of the "other sheep" that needed to be gathered into the fold (John 10:16). How will we know the difference? We will wait for the Spirit to show us. TO WHOM ARE YOU SENT? Once this issue is settled, you may then go forth in the power and authority of Christ and see His Kingdom increased. Until then, it is better to stay where you are, seeking God’s Face and His Divine guidance. May the Lord lead us by His Spirit and preserve both our going out and our coming in. Amen.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 07:36:27 +0000