New Priorities

Scripture:
Acts 24:25 – But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.”

Observation:
Paul is in custody in Caesarea and is facing a serious situation. He is appearing before Felix, the governor of Judea, to defend himself against false accusations being made by the Jewish religious leaders from Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders are bent on shutting Paul up forever. Since Felix had spent several years in Palestine, he was familiar with the Christian movement, commonly called “the Way.” Recognizing that the leaders’ hatred of Paul was religiously motivated and the charges were likely trumped up, Felix decides to wait on making a decision. Later, Paul is summoned to talk with Felix and his wife, Drusilla. Drusilla is Jewish, and perhaps the couple wants to hear a little more about the Way. But Paul knows Felix and Drusilla have a bad reputation. Drusilla is Felix’s third wife and they came together under adulterous circumstances. They are heavily invested in the things of this world. Paul pulls no punches and declares the ethical implications of following Jesus. Life change and the final judgment is not what Felix wanted to hear about — he is not ready for repentance — he decides he would rather hear about the Way some other time.

Application:
Holding on to the things of this world can make it awfully hard to follow Jesus. Like Paul’s confrontation of Felix and Drusilla, the Lord always seems to ask for what I don’t want to give up, whether material things or a “hidden” sin. But salvation is a change of heart that always displays itself in life change. The world can never understand how a Christian spends their time or their money. We are called out to a different life, and that is going to stand out like a light on a dark night. I must always remember that the cost of discipleship is high. Nothing can be kept back. Paul could have helped himself greatly by keeping his mouth shut and not declaring the truth of God’s Word. The Gospel can be unpleasant to someone who is not ready for it, but if I love them, I work to make sure they hear it. Living and speaking God’s truth will probably keep me from some worldly gain in this life. Even so, live a life that knows God is my Judge, and that all of my actions and motives will be exposed at the final judgment.

Prayer:
Lord, I love you. My desire is to live a life publicly and privately that glorifies your Name. Help me to always pursue what is right in your eyes. Remove my attachments to the things of this world. I give myself over to you as your disciple. Thank you for your Word, strengthen me in it that I may never compromise its statutes in order to get ahead. Help me share the Good News and make disciples. Your salvation has bought me with a price and I owe you my life. Please use it for your glory. Nothing compares to you.
 
— Chuck Newton, missions mobilization pastor