"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Some Ignore God’s Message
Paul was taken to be judged before the Roman procurator, Felix. False accusations were flowing against the preacher from envious, bitter, Jewish leaders that resented Christianity. The Roman judge heard from those accusers.
Felix, however, was not ignorant of who Christians were (Acts 24:24), and what they were teaching. Perhaps, he had heard around the city about Christ, or how Christianity had been sweeping the country-side. He had his own opinions about Christianity, and he was wise enough not to hear only the complainer’s side of the story.
Felix allowed Paul to speak. Instead of cowering under the authority of the man that was managing the affairs for the Romans, Paul took the opportunity to talk to the ruler about spiritual things.
The preacher spoke of living a righteous life, not indulging in sin, and about the judgments God would bring. Even though Paul’s judge, as history tells us, was known for his cruelty, murders, and even considered himself licensed to commit any crime he desired, Paul did not waiver or hold back on any of the truths from the Word of God. Felix could have easily given the word, and Paul’s life would have been snuffed out, but Paul boldly preached on.
The preaching did affect the procurator. Acts 24:25 records that the man trembled at what he had heard. His fear did not guide him to repentance, however. He dismissed Paul and promised that they might speak again. He had the opportunity to be saved, but he put it off. Felix missed a time he could have been saved.
Many are so much like Felix. They hear the convicting message from the Word of God. It cuts deeply into their heart. Conviction of past sins floods their memories. Uneasiness of their sinful past robs them of their peace. They often have the opportunity right then and there to confess Jesus as their Saviour and to get their sins forgiven, but they put it off until “tomorrow,” or “later”.
For some reason that “other time” rarely comes. All too often they miss the last opportunity they had for salvation, and die lost, without Christ, and spend their eternity in Hell. They often get so close to salvation, but miss an eternity with Jesus.
Never say “No,” to God’s provoking of your heart about anything, especially salvation. You may never have tomorrow!
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”
II Corinthians 6:1-2
This article was featured in the Bible View #669.