The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Acts 26:28, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Here is King Agrippa’s response to Paul when Paul presented his case before Festus, King Agrippa and Bernice, as well as the high ranking officers and the leading men of Caesarea. Paul had asked Agrippa if he believed in the prophets (the Scriptures) and following Agrippa’s response Paul replied that he hoped all who were listening to him on that day might become what he was, not as a prisoner, but as a child of God and an heir of what will be ours in our inheritance with Jesus Christ. What catches my attention is Agrippa’s observation that Paul was attempting to persuade his hearers with the gospel message, a message with the hope they make the choice to embrace Jesus Christ in faith. (I note God leaves the choice of whether we embrace him or not up to us, hence the effort of persuasion on Paul's part.) This tells me something about God. It cannot be missed that the Lord had manipulated events such that Paul had an opportunity to proclaim the gospel message to the leaders of the day: the king and his supposed wife, the governor, the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city of Caesarea. God clearly desires all to have an opportunity to hear the gospel message. Paul’s desire, which echoed God’s desire, was that all would avail themselves of the opportunity to respond to the gospel message by embracing Jesus Christ in faith. I am reminded of Paul’s comment to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:3-4, when speaking about prayer, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (God doesn't just want some of us, but all of us. However, he only takes for himself those who embrace him.) Our God has a big, big heart and wants all to come to him! Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you! If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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