Time is Now 11.17.08

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Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Acts, please read Chapters 23-25 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them here online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2023-25&version=9

Today we will read about Paul going before religious rulers in Jerusalem; the Jews vowing to kill Paul; Paul being sent to Felix when they found no fault in him; Paul going before Festus; and Paul's appeal to Caesar. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we can not wait for a more convient time to listen to God and follow His commands, we must make that time now.

When the Apostle Paul arrived in Jerusalem, the religious leaders from Asia stirred up all the people with false accusations. In response, an angry mob seized Paul and tried to kill him, but he was rescued from their violence by Roman soldiers. He was then allowed to speak in his own defense to the Jews, but when Paul mentioned his commission by Jesus to go to the Gentiles, they immediately considered him a traitor to their religion and stopped at nothing to have him killed, (See Acts 21-22). "And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." (Acts 23:1-5).

Whatever motive the Roman governor may have had when he summoned Paul to appear before him, he was aware of the intense hatred of some religious leaders who wanted Paul dead. But, it did not cause Paul to tremble or fail to witness for Christ, which was the very reason they had him arrested. Paul's purpose was not to defend himself or plead for his life, but to tell the good news that Christ died for sinners.

The Romans found no fault in Paul, but when the Sanhedrin authorities failed to convict Paul, the religious rebels decided to take the law into their own hands and murder him, "And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. " (23:12-15).

Paul's nephew overheard their wicked plan to murder Paul and told the Roman captain, who then had Paul secretly transferred by night to Felix, the Roman governor of Judea residing at Caesarea. "And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him............And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly...............So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me. And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor." (23:16-17,20,22-24).

During his several years' confinement in Caesarea, Paul was tried before three powerful rulers of the Roman Empire who listened to what he had to say about his faith in Jesus Christ. Felix, this Roman judge, was summoned to preside in a matter which affected not only Paul but himself, he trembled at his words. "And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." (24:24-25). It appears that, at that moment, the Holy Spirit may have convicted him to repent of all his sins, but he said go away and when the time is more convient I will call for you.

Whatever our good intentions are there is never a convenient time in which to accept Jesus into our lives. We can not believe in Him and then decide that when the time is right to say I will repent and accept Him into my life. Too many people have made the mistake of thinking that they have time only to realize when it is too late that they ran out of it. However, it is not too late for you now. Just be reading this message you have obeyed God by reading His Word, that is a huge step and one that God praises you for. When we take the time to put Him first great things will happen regardless of the circumstances we face currently.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
There is no one or no thing that is worthy of our complete allegiance, but You, our Lord, who has the words of eternal life. Though others may refuse to listen or turn away from the message of salvation we choose to persevere. We persevere in trial and in victory, in the ups and downs and in the in-betweens of everyday circumstances. We seek to do Your will in all things so that we will be richly rewarded at the end of this life. In Jesus' name.......Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

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