March 14, 2016
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Choosing Our Response

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Opening Prayer

Lord, You are the God of tradition and innovation, the new and the old. Do a new thing in me today.

Read ACTS 26:19-32

[19] “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. [20] First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. [21] That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. [22] But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen- [23] that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” [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.”

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Reflect

“God impinging on the human race in Christ–it is still a challenge. It is a momentous responsibility for our world, our church, and ourselves to face the challenge of his coming” (James S. Stewart, 1896-1990).

The Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ requires a response from all those who hear it. Today’s passage illustrates a number of reactions to a reasoned, truthful defense of the faith. When Paul was confronted by the heavenly vision he only had two alternatives: to respond in obedience or disobedience. When he examined the Scriptures he found that Jesus’ suffering, resurrection and message of light to Jews and Gentiles (23) were a fulfillment of God’s promises to humanity. He chose to obey. The Jews refused to listen to reason, or their prophets, and strongly rejected the possibility that salvation could include the Gentiles. They were attempting to silence the messenger. Festus’s lack of spiritual perception caused him to dismiss the message as insanity. Agrippa, when confronted by Paul’s reasoned argument, laughed it off and evaded the issue by his embarrassed, non-committal reply, “Keep this up much longer and you’ll make a Christian out of me” (28, The Message).

These same responses are common today. Each person must choose whether to heed God’s message or reject it. There is no other option. Putting it off for a more convenient time is ultimately a decision against it. So it was with Agrippa: no matter how close he was to belief, his departure from the court signaled his rejection. That was why, in preaching salvation, Paul called for repentance and a complete change in people’s minds and actions (20). We can never reason someone into God’s kingdom, no matter how powerful the argument. It requires a step of faith, turning to Christ in repentance, and demonstration of a changed life, by God-like deeds of obedience to the heavenly vision. God will help us each day, as he did with Paul (22), whether the way ahead is easy or difficult.

Apply

In verse 18, Paul shares three images that summarize the Gospel (eyes opened; darkness to light; from Satan’s power to God). Which one best describes your spiritual journey and why?

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, knowing You has changed the direction of my life. Keep me looking to You each day and always walking in Your ways.

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