Day 208: Psalms 47-49; Acts 26

"But make sure that in your hearts you honor Christ as Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it gently and with respect." (1 Peter 3:15, NIRV)

Excuses abound to the conviction that comes when challenged with the Truth. I know you have heard this before and will hear it again (Acts 26:24-31). Festus' exclamation is not uncommon: "You are out of your mind! Do you really believe all that?" What the truth calls us to is transformation (Romans 12:1-2), and being willing to be a living sacrifice is mightily resisted...Festus would have none of it. Paul does not let go. His answer respects the person, but holds to the truth (this is true and reasonable, v.25). He then in boldness, continues the call to Jesus. Agrippa knows the story about Jesus. Anyone who has been around in Jesus' time knows. His response is basically: "You would have to do more to convince me...prove it." Paul moves to the compassion that comes from knowing and sharing Jesus. "I wish that you and everyone else would have this transformational Jesus-encounter, but without these chains" (v.29). Agrippa shows that he is not willing to engage in further conversation at this moment of what I believe is deep conviction. He stands up. End of conversation! How often does that happen...the very people who say, "Prove it!" are the ones who will not listen to true and reasonable responses. Still, Paul persists! This Great Good News must be told to all with whom God gives us an audience. Don't let excuses and resistance deter you. While no one needs to be obnoxious, everyone should be ready to tell their transformation story given the opportunity. Jesus is depending on us!