24 AUG 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. Go away for now, he replied.” Acts 24: 24b-25
You never know who you will speak to about Jesus. The Lord can and does orchestrate divine appointments with various people up and down the socio-economic ladder. The route to people can be much different than you might expect. Sometimes amid great suffering and persecution, God presents a beautiful opportunity to represent him.
Paul is a great example of this excellent work of God connecting him with people so that he can share the good news of Jesus. He made the most of his opportunities even when he was not doing well. His eyes and ears were always open seeking the lost whether poor or rich, farmer or king. No matter who they are, reactions to the message are still the same.
People either reject the message, hostile to the message, desire to hear more or receive it. In the passage above, Paul has been arrested and is in a courtroom defending himself in front of the Governor and judge. This was not a quick case, which was fine by Paul. It gave him time to reason through the Scriptures with the Governor. Flex was not dismissive but desired to hear more even though it scared him at times.
Paul shared regularly for two years while he was in jail. We don’t know if Felix or others came to faith or not. We do know that Paul remained faithful and shared the good news with everyone he came into contact with. For a man that could make excuses, he never did. He just shared his faith.
Are you sharing the faith where you are or making excuses?
Reading Plan: Psalm 131, 132; 2 Sam. 19:1-23; Acts 24:1-23; Mark 12:28-34
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