I've been reading the New Testament with my students this year. It has been great reading through the NT again, plus I've been able to bring our readings into class as devotions each day. But the passages continue to speak to me personally at the same time. Here are two examples. One that I shared in class this week, and one that I will share when it comes up in the schedule.
Acts 16: Paul & Silas in Prison
You probably know the story well. Paul & Silas are in jail after Paul healed a girl with an evil spirit. Read the chapter for more info. Around midnight, Paul & Silas start praying and singing hymns to God, with the other prisoners listening. Right there you see God using these guys to testify of Him, even in prison. Anyway, there's an earthquake and the prisoners are freed - doors fly open, shackles fall off. The guard of the prison is blown away by this and draws his sword to kill himself.
Paul calls out to the guy to stop, saying all the prisoners are still here. The guard fell down, trembling before Paul & Silas, and asked how to be saved. We all know this story, but notice what happened next in verse 32 - "Then the spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house."
I told my students that this is very significant in the story. Wasn't the earthquake enough? Wasn't the opening of the doors and releasing of the shackles enough? God has demonstrated His power in a mighty way. But Paul & Silas still took the man back to the Scriptures. To me, this is significant. Look back at the OT. When the Israelites were freed from slavery, they saw God do a great miracle by parting the Red Sea. What an awesome demonstration of God's power and provision for them. Was that enough to keep them focused and faithful to Him? Unfortunately, no. Paul & Silas took this guard to God's Word, which never changes, is inspired and perfect, lacking nothing. It also tells of a God who never changes. My encouragement to my students - don't trust the ups and downs of this life, especially your emotions. Don't wait on the big miraculous moments or base your faith on them, apart from the infallable Word of God.
Acts 24: Paul & Felix
Paul is in trouble again with the Sanhedrin. They're trying to figure out exactly what to do with him. Plus, even while this is happening, he keeps giving testimony of his faith. Felix is the Roman governor. Paul has just finished giving his testimony again before Felix. Felix sends Paul away to decide on his fate.
Later, Felix is with his wife and calls for Paul again. He wanted to hear about Paul's faith again. Paul started talking about three things: righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Now, these are some tough subjects to consider. Felix becomes afraid and sends Paul away again. Notice what he says here in verse 25 - "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." I like how the NIV reads on this - "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." Wow, that stings! But unfortunately, Felix had the wrong motivation, expecting to get money from Paul. More importantly, Felix kept hearing from Paul for a while, but ultimately Felix left office without responding to the Gospel message.
Those words from verse 25 are tough to read. The original language indicates "convenient time" means "when it suits me". As the NIV study notes say, this is what the Gospel is all about - God's power to change lives. "The Gospel is not effective until it moves from principles and doctrine into a life-changing dynamic."
Along with the application to the Gospel, I believe we can see examples of how Felix's words can roll off our tongue in other ways. It's as if we get to tell God when and how, rather than just saying "yes, Lord". For the believer, righteousness, self-control, and judgment still apply to us. We, too, may become afraid and turn away, or say "not now". "Come back at a more convenient time." Or worse yet, "when I find it convenient, I will send for You."
I praise the Lord for sending this part of His Word to me this week. I needed it. I might not have uttered these words, but my heart needed to be refreshed in obedience. Maybe yours did, too.
Pastor Randy
