Christ Church Daily Devotion Jan 17 2024

In this Daily Devotion, Paul defends himself before King Agrippa, Queen Bernice, and Governor Festus. Despite being a prisoner, Paul remains calm and confident, knowing that God has called him to be a witness. He boldly shares his testimony and almost persuades the three leaders to become Christians. They agree that Paul does not deserve death or imprisonment, opening the door for his continuation of missionary journeys. The lesson is to be courageous and share the message of Christ with others. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for January 17th, 2024. Today we will be reading from Acts, chapter 26, verses 24 through 41. At this point, Festus interrupted Paul's defense. You are out of your mind, Paul, he shouted. Your great learning is driving you insane. I am not insane, most excellent Festus, Paul replied. What I am saying is true and reasonable. 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. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do. Then Agrippa said to Paul, do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian? 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. The king arose and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with him. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, this man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment. This scene of Paul's trial is as stressful and fearful as any storm which we could ever imagine. Paul, a prisoner in chains, for the sake of being a witness of Jesus, goes before King Agrippa, Agrippa's sister, Queen Bernice, and Governor Festus to make his defense. Paul's very life is in peril. There is a word picture here beginning in Acts 26 verse 1 and concluding in Acts 26 verse 29. This picture is of Paul stretching out his hands in chains as he begins and concludes his defense. Paul is aware of the lowliness of his status as he speaks to these powerful leaders. But Paul is confident of what he experienced and more than that, he says in verse 22, Paul knows God has called him for this witness and God is helping him through this storm, giving him peace. On such an imposing stage, he is able to remain calm. I realize Paul's defense was not for the sake of his own life, but for the sake of the message of Christ to reach the people in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Acts chapter 1 verse 8. Paul could have simply accepted that he was a prisoner and that no one would hear what he had to say. But he was courageous and bold enough, trusting God's help each step of the way to give his witness to these powerful three people, King Agrippa, Queen Bernice, and Governor Festus. Not only did they hear Paul, but they also were almost persuaded to become Christians themselves. The three agreed that Paul had done nothing to deserve death or imprisonment. This opened the door for Paul's continuation of his missionary journeys. Today's personal worship option. Thank you, God, for the calm and peace you give us throughout the difficult storms of life. Let us learn from Paul's unselfish defense to be courageous and brave to share the message of Christ's grace, forgiveness, and love with others. Amen.