Today we finish up the book of Numbers. Tomorrow we will begin Deuteronomy. In a couple days we will finish up the Book of Acts. How about starting Luke after that? (Maybe we should have read Luke then Acts! Oh well.)
But on with our reading today:
Read Numbers 36
Read Acts 26
Festus thought Paul was out of his mind. No doubt many will (and some already do) think that we are out of our minds. To be Christian is to be ridiculed. No matter to us. We are wise. They are the fools.
But Paul continues to argue his case to Festus and now also to King Agrippa. The ultimate goal is not for him to be freed, but to preach Christ crucified.
Paul shows how "the Way" (a.k.a. "Christianity") is consistent with what we now call the Old Testament Scriptures. And he asks if Agrippa believes those prophesies. The answer would be "yes," except that Agrippa is not ready to buy into the truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of those prophesies. So, he bristles at the question and in a mocking way asks Paul if he honestly expects to have converted him so quickly.
Paul is not ashamed to admit that conversion is the goal - whether it takes a long time or a short time. And that should be our goal as well. In short encounters or in longtime relationships, the soul is the goal. We want all people to become as we are - that is, we want them to come to the saving knowledge of the truth. We want them to believe and be baptized. We want them to be with us and the Lord in eternal glory.
I must share some of Luther's comments: "This noble word naturally brings with it a burning hunger and unquenchable thirst that can never be filled. Even though many thousands of people believed in it, we would still desire that no person would want for it. Such thirst is ever active and knows no rest, but impels us to speak...St. Paul felt such a thirst when he wished that everyone were as he himself - except for his chains...You too have been given such a thirst for the salvation of your brethren, which is a reliable sign of a genuine faith" (TLSB p. 1893).
Hunger and thirst for the salvation of others! I know you do already. But today we are encouraged by Paul's example, and we are reminded that in a short encounter or in a long witness, the Word of God works and converts. God will use you to reach others, just as he used others to reach you. Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
Do I take advantage of longtime relationships and witness to these friends and relatives?
Do I take advantage of brief encounters and find ways to share the Good News of Jesus?
What can I do to become better at witnessing?
Pray:
Today, pray concerning the answers to the questions. Ask God to make you bold, and to give you the right words at the right time. Then trust that he will do so, and say "Amen!" with conviction.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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