Friday
So Paul is defending himself, but is he really in actuality defending Christianity?
He stands before Agrippa and talks to him about how the Jews had been waiting for the Messiah. Now think about who Paul is speaking to: King Herod Agrippa II. This man’s great-grandfather tried to kill Jesus as a baby (the whole Magi incident); his grandfather had John the Baptist beheaded and his father sentenced James the brother of John (one of the 12) to death. Yet Paul seems to put all of that knowledge behind him as he pleads his case. King Agrippa, being Jewish himself (even though he was not a practicing Jew), would nevertheless, better understand the arguments that Paul gives in his defense.
So Paul stands before this large audience, in chains that binds him to the soldiers standing near, but yet as we listen to his message, I wonder who really are the ones in chains. The fundamental message of Paul’s defense is that he is guilty of no crime against the state.
He is only guilty of believing what his accusers believe and that is the resurrection of the dead. Paul also confesses his part in trying to wipeout this sect known as “the Way” that believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, his eyes were; figuratively and literally opened, so that now he has become just as zealous for promoting the cause of Christ.
Festus accuses Paul of being crazy. Not unlike many who haven’t experienced conversion. “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) Agrippa seems to mock Paul, but he is always ready to respond. Chose what you want, but this is the truth and Paul prays that they would accept. Could you imagine what might have happened to the early Christian church if Agrippa and accepted Christ?
So why do people accept or reject Christ? Why does the message seem foolish to some? I think the answer is a “broken and contrite heart”. NLT versions puts it like this. “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” Psalm 51:17
Obviously Agrippa does not have a repentant heart. His pride and defiance of the Law is apparent in his lifestyle. But here’s the good news of Christ… even someone like Agrippa is offered the saving grace of Jesus. No one is excluded, God would love nothing more than for all His creation to turn to Him. So, do you think the message of the cross is foolish? Are you willing to offer your heart, broken and repentant to God?
If you get what Jesus has done for you and accepted Him – praise God, but if are struggling or know someone who is, my prayer is that you will allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life and accept what Jesus to freely offers to all.
Blessings
Pastor Kathy