Today’s Reading:
Acts 26:1-32
“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 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”
(vv. 19-20)
This is the longest of Apostle Paul’s speeches found in the book of Acts. He had to stop his speech because Governor Festus stopped him. If Festus had not interrupted him, he may have gone on speaking more. It was much more than a defence of himself and a review of his own personal religious experience (Acts 26:24-25.) It was a statement of the Christian experience, and it explained his experience of conversion on the way to Damascus (Acts 9.) Paul received permission to speak for himself, but he spoke for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul before conversion considered himself an “enlightened” man, a Jew, Pharisee, doctor, scholar – with great enthusiasm for God. He thought he was in the light when he was totally in darkness. But he saw the light on the road to Damascus. Who is this light? Jesus Christ is the Light “I am the Light of the World…”( John 8:12). Also, the Bible says “God is light; in him there is no darkness.” (1 John 1:5) “Once you were in darkness, now you are in the light of the Lord, so live in the light (Eph 5:8). Paul saw the light, and heard a voice, “Paul!” (He heard his own name). He thought Jesus was dead! – But here He was alive! He also knew Paul BY NAME. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever – and he knows your name and he is calling you (by name). Jesus called Paul and then sent him again. (v. 17 “…I am sending you…”). We must know that Jesus’ calling and sending go hand-in-hand. Jesus called us from darkness unto SALVATION. But at the same time, he is sending us for SERVICE. Outside Christ, people are in darkness. “Our enemy Satan has blinded the mind of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.”( 2 Cor 4:4.) Jesus is sending us to help them, to open their eyes. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation belonging to God – so that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9.
Apostle Paul took advantage of the opportunity given to him to preach Christ to King Agrippa and all the people listening to him. Brother Peter also made use of the golden opportunity to preach to people in Judea, and all that dwelt in Jerusalem. This message of light brought about 3,000 (Three thousand) souls who were in darkness to the light of Jesus. (Acts 2:14, 22, 37-41). Jesus saved you so that you can also preach to others. Preach Jesus Christ to people in your place of work, your business partners, in the marketplace, to your neighbours and to your family members. You are saved to serve, shine the light of Jesus in you to people around you.
OLAJIDE OGUNFUWA
Prayer:
Lord, help me to take advantage of every opportunity available to successfully carry out your task for my life in bringing people in darkness to the light, in Jesus name. Amen
God fills me with your Holy Spirit and Power to win souls for your kingdom, in Jesus name.
Spirit of the living God stirs up in me all the potentials, gifts and skills God has deposited in my life to depopulate the kingdom of hell, in Jesus name.
I pray that the Church will be a true example of light to this dark world, in Jesus name.
Oh Lord let your light shine in the heart and lives of all our political leaders in Nigeria, in Jesus name.
Yorumlar