We began a conversation a number of weeks ago about what gives us meaning in this life and I suggested that the question is actually a mute point for those who call themselves Christian because if we believe that Christ came, died and rose again then we must also live out this reality. To live out this belief we are called to become a witness for Christ. An impossible role without the acceptance of the Holy Spirit, the power of God offered by the Holy Spirit for the single intent of glorifying the Lord through a commitment to live as a person who publicly declares a belief in and adherence to Jesus Christ who gives it their all for their entire life. They recognize obedience requires commitment.
“ Anyone can give up. It’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart — that’s true strength.”
I believe the story of Tim Welch, who at 14 was involved in a train accident that took his left arm and leg, helps us to understand the idea commitment. Welch shares his story and his outlook on life by telling anyone who will listen that if God walked through the door and said he’d give him his arm and leg back, he’d say no. The event has been transformed for Tim into a quest to be a role model and help others, something that began in the first few weeks of his recovery. Tim tells the story of how he had just moved into a new room at the hospital near a young girl who was about to undergo surgery to remove her leg because of cancer. The girl, he said, wouldn’t talk to anyone, including her parents, so they were looking for help. After seeing how he was progressing in his recovery, the girl’s parents asked if he could talk to her. He did, and after more than two hours, the girl was ready to talk to her parents.
http://www.enterprisepub.com/arlingtoncitizen/opinion/columns/stories-of-resolve-serve-as-life-inspiration/article_271742c0-68da-11e3-8a63-0019bb30f31a.html
How many of us could be so magnanimous? Heck, I've played the victim when I get a red light camera ticket when I'm clearly in the wrong. I can only imagine if I had to deal with some of the tragedy or injustice we have just heard of or read about in scripture, especially the stuff endured by Paul.
Imagine being in jail for two years without a trial or a transfer to the court house. But that’s exactly what Paul had to endure. Paul’s been in prison for a two years now. Festus the governor of the community didn’t know what to do with Paul. He knew the Jews wanted to kill him, the former leader couldn’t get a bribe out of Paul and because he was a Roman citizen, Festus was fearful of being disrespectful Rome and creating a unrest in the Jewish culture he presided over. He needed a way out so when the grandson of Agrippa the Great shows up with his sister, he figured he could get some clarity from somebody more connected to the power structure of the day. Let’s listen in…
<Read v13-17>
13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned. 16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in.
I really dislike Festus. He seems to be playing to the audience. I am a good leader but the last guy, he didn't do his job so I'm left with this mess. I thought I'd investigate the facts by asking so questions but...
<Read 18-19>
18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.
The rule of the religious law was not necessarily the rule of the land. A witness sometimes has to speak the truth even when people don’t full understand.
<Read 20-21>
20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
it’s interesting to read how Luke lets it be known that Festus didn’t share his knowledge of the Jewish leadership's plot to kill Paul. He only wanted to make himself look good. "I am following all the rules here but am a little dumfounded by this case. Can you please help me King Agrippa?" I wonder if Festus was hoping to have Agrippa tell him to ignore the call for justice in Rome in favor of the lynch mob in Jerusalem.
<Read 22-23>
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him. 23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
The power of the day had to be recognized even if the royals were scandalous. It was purported that Agrippa was dating his sister. The incestuous relationship serves as an interesting backdrop because it was widely known. Was Festus trying to provoke Paul? Was he trying to get Paul to offend the king and his sister wife? If he could, Festus might be able to get rid of the Roman citizen and the Jewish discontent at the same time?
<Let's Read 24-26>
24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write.
I wouldn’t have kept him here but he has appealed to Cesare so I’m just doing my job.
<Read verse 27>
27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”
I would never want to offend the Roman Authorities I report to. What do you think I should do King?
Paul goes on to tell the whole story again. He witnesses to everything that happens and then the Festus calls him crazy. The authorities just didn’t get it. What they didn't understand was Paul's resolve to share his witness with all who would listen, especially the ruling class. Chapter 26: 25-29 details this (on screen),
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.”
A few moments later the King and his sister rise and leave saying, he’s innocent of any real charges. What’s the point of the appeal?
I want you to be believer like me! I will go to the depths of a prison or to my death, if you will just believe.
Story of resolve applied (personal story of friends who live different lifestyles but how engagement with them creates opportunities to share and continue to witness to the power of Christ in our lives.)
Now, I know many of us are not as outgoing or as fearless as Paul. However, the lesson is not to be Paul. It is to be witness to Christ's power in this life. I know each of us in this room have relationships with those who are not believers. I know some have Children or parents who are not believers. I know for some in the room today to bring up the subject with some relatives feels similar to going before Agrippa and Bernice. Their lifestyle is not ours so we shirk our belief because we're afraid of the consequences.
We don't want to lose the friendship or connection or maybe even influence. However, as we review Paul's witness it was not about anyone else's behavior but His. He shares his understanding of the religion he was apart of , his conversion and then what has happened since. We all must be so resolved to share what we were like, what happened and what we are like now and why. Who are you thinking of? Don't let another day pass by?
Prayer for strength
https://communitycenter.life/rev-robert-butler-info
