"As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'”
Acts 24 : 25
This is our portion of scripture for this week.
We all know the context : here brother Paul is speaking to Felix after he was accused of the Jews and as he tried to talk to him about righteousness and all it entails, Felix declined.
When I read this verse a few days ago, I realized I'd actually never really paid attention to it.
It's interesting to note how "Felix was afraid...". My question is, what was he afraid of? The answer to that question comes just before "Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgement to come...".
Now you have to understand that Felix was an unbeliever and instead of being curious, he became afraid. Why was he afraid of something he did not believe in. Why didn't just say "Paul, I do not believe in what you are saying" and he would have put an end to it. Instead, Felix was afraid. For something to provoke the feeling of fear in us, it has to have gained substantial ground in our minds. For example, if someone says, "flying cows can sometimes randomly fall from the sky", you would not be afraid of a cow falling on you if you do not believe or at least suspect it were true.
It's the same case with Felix...He suspected and probably knew in him that what Paul was saying was somewhat true but because he did not want to change, he refused the gospel.
Beloved, it is true what they say about the truth being bitter. Felix got a bite of it and not wanting to repent shunned Paul.
But let's bring it closer to home : isn't this the same with us? Don't we shun the truth? Even us that we call ourselves Christians, we know deep down what we are doing is wrong, but still, we persist.
We go around, doing or saying this or that and we call ourselves followers of Christ, but when we see a verse in the Bible rebuking us and telling us what we do is wrong, we ignore it or when the Pastor preaches against whatever we are doing, we get annoyed and angry.
If you have a clean conscience, fear is not supposed to erupt in you when you read or hear the word of God because "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (1 Timothy 1 : 7). But rather, the word of God is for us to check ourselves and keep ourselves qualified even as the brother Paul said to brother Timothy "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3 : 16).
Child of God, it is not the time to refuse correction or instruction in that area of your life where your are lacking, stumbling or need to improve. I know many Christians say, "I'll change tomorrow," or "there's still next year". But guess what, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4 : 14). I am tired of Christians that are doing this or that and they know it is wrong, but rather, they choose to abuse of the Father's profound mercy and play with their lives. Today is the day for change, not tomorrow, or next year. You cannot expect to have one foot in the world and the other in God, it is not possible because "Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." (1 John 2 : 4 - 6). It's as simple as that.
Even as the Psalmist said, "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple." (Psalms 19 : 7) and King Solomon said, " For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life" (Proverbs 6 : 23) and also in John 6 : 63 it is written "The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life." And it is not for nothing that the Psalmist said "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalms 119 : 105).
Wherever your heart might be testifying to you to change, now is the time, today is the day. You know in your heart you should stop whatever you might be doing that is grieving the Father...don't push it away any longer.
May God help us to receive His word in our lives, submit and subscribe to it and let it change us!
Amen!
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