Daily Devotion, August 22, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 25:13 - 26:29.

  When you read about Paul in the book of Acts, one thing is apparent: he was a great speaker. He was an evangelist He loved to debate and convince others of what he believed. And he was good at it. From the time he was first converted to following Jesus Christ, he immediately began to preach and teach (Acts 9:19b-22). He spoke to groups small and large. He spoke to religious leaders and government leaders. He debated with philosophers and many others who had different beliefs than him. He could talk to anybody about Jesus and he was good at it.

  This lengthy text for today tells us of the time he was being held by Roman authorities, who were perplexed with what to do with him. He had been under “house arrest” for two years. The former ruler (Felix) had been replaced by a new one (Festus). When King Agrippa comes to pay his respects to Festus, the Roman ruler brings the case of Paul to the Jewish King, who wants to hear from this man. So Paul makes his defense before the King, who is impressed with what he is trying to accomplish: “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

  Being a good speaker and being able to persuade others with words is not a gift everybody has. However, it is the mission of every Christian to find their own way to help other people begin a relationship with Jesus Christ. It begins with accepting that mission and being intentional about accomplishing it. It certainly includes prayer, seeking God to guide you. Most of all, it is about loving people. If you love them, you will find a way to persuade them. Personal Worship Option: Who is that one person (maybe more) who you are praying for as you seek to build a relationship that will give you an opportunity to lead them into their own relationship with Jesus Christ? It is the mission he gave to all those devoted to him.