We’ll continue today looking at the story in Act
26:16-32.
16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to
you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will
see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I
am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to
light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness
of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to
the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in
Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they
should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.
21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.
22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small
and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said
would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from
the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the
Gentiles.” 24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are
out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you
insane.” 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.”30 The king rose, and with him the governor and
Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began
saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or
imprisonment.”32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been
set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
There is the personal “coming out from the
darkness”, and the mandate to share the Light with a dark world. (vv. 16-18) Share
your story, but don’t forget to share God’s plan and hope for the world. (vv. 19-
23) Even if the world thinks you are crazy don’t stop being obedient! (vv.24-
29) Are you willing to follow Christ
even though it may be hard, and there will be a price to pay? (vv. 30-32)
God has a vision and plan for all of
us!
How can you glorify Him more this
year?
Be
wise today. Share God’s story.
