ACTS of the Apostles, part 2

Wednesday, September 28

ACTS of the Apostles, Part 2

Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic

Read Acts 25:13-27

*Before I begin this post, I want to ask us collectively to lift up our Soul Sisters in Florida today, asking for the Lord's protection and provision for all those who are being affected by Ian.

Focus Verse: Acts 25:23

So the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

In this passage, we see the sovereignty of God played out. As we were reminded in yesterday's post, God had told Paul he would stand before kings (Acts 9:15), and now here he is in the presence of King Herod Agrippa II. Festus, the new Roman governor who took Felix's place, was hoping this king would help him come up with charges against Paul so he could write it down in a letter to Caesar. No one knew what to do with Paul!

In this passage we are able to make an obvious contrast between the pompous Agrippa and Bernice and the prisoner Paul. King Agrippa seems to have the lofty upper hand. But again, we must remember that the King of kings is standing by Paul's side.

How often we do the same thing… mistakenly place our attention and affection on the “rich and the famous" in this world. We tend to forget that as humble, Christ followers, we really are the privileged ones! Let me remind you for encouragement's sake: we are wrapped in unseen, yet holy robes of righteousness. No power and prestige can compare to these garments of salvation! (Isaiah 61:10)

It may seem like the world is winning at times, but ultimately the victory is ours. Paul, while a prisoner, believed this with all his heart, and so must we.

Let’s remember our position. Even if we are "bound in chains", we are ambassadors to the King.

Dear Lord,

We belong to you! Help us to remember that no matter the circumstance, we have the Upper Hand. Speak to us directly in our places of uncertainty. Remind us of your presence and refill us with your hope. May our "unseen holy robes" define us rather than the world. Amen.