Sunday, November 17, 2024
A few days [after Paul's initial defense,] Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. "Go away for now," he replied. "When it is more convenient, I'll call for you again." He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.
Felix was a ruler with all sorts of competing loyalties. History bares the steering forces in his life that made his rule less than ideal. Part of his heart resonated with Paul's message. His soul apparently wrestled with competing loyalties to a God he did not fully know, his own greedy appetites, the Jewish ruling forces he had to appease and also keep in check, and the Roman government that he was sworn to support. Unfortunately, Felix's subsequent meetings with Paul were primarily for ulterior motives. Later, Felix's replacement arrived, and he lost his opportunity to tune his life to Jesus. Who is someone you know who is like Felix — someone who appears to have it all, but who is wrestling with competing forces that make following Christ very difficult? Why not commit to praying for that person regularly?
Father, please forgive me. I catch myself envious or harshly critical of some people with influence whose lives are torn by competing loyalties. Please, Father, tear down the barriers that separate them from seeing Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Bring the right people into their lives to help them see Jesus and offer their hearts to him as Lord and Savior, and lead me to recognize when I am the right person to help bring someone to Jesus. I ask this in Jesus' name and for the sake of those whose hearts are torn. Amen.
![Illustration of Acts 24:24-26 NLT — A few days [after Paul's initial defense,] Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. "Go away for now," he replied. "When it is more convenient, I'll call for you again." He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/24570.jpg "Illustration of Acts 24:24-26 NLT — A few days [after Paul's initial defense,] Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. \"Go away for now,\" he replied. \"When it is more convenient, I'll call for you again.\" He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.")
Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.
Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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