Well, this is what happened during my nightly bible study with myself reading Acts 26: 24-32. Here, Paul is in prison and making his appeal to Herod Aggripa who is like a governor of a province of the Roman Empire. Here Paul is falsely prisoned as a trouble maker and is pleading his case. Actually, pleading is a rough word, Paul is making his argument on why he is unjustly shackled. Throughout this process he finds a ingenious way to witness by proclaiming Jesus all throughout his testimony.
Stop There.
Paul's life is so infused with his Lord and savior, Jesus' that he can't help but talk about it; there is no aspect of his life where Jesus cannot be found oozing in it. It's ridiculous how passionate and fearless Paul was in a spot where he was persecuted for what he believed in.
Resume.
Verse 28 states as follows: "Then [Herod] Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."
Pause.
Now it's pretty obvious that Agrippa (or Aggy) was being sarcastic. Nonetheless, the truth is still present that Paul provided a very compelling argument supported by eyewitnesses and facts all in chapter 26. It brings me to the idea that no matter how perfect we feel our argument is...No matter how infallible we feel like the evidence is, some people. just. won't. listen (at least not at that moment). And you know what, it's ok.
One of the feelings I've been having recently is trying to learn it all. Earlier in my life I was planning on becoming a lawyer and one of the characteristics of a lawyer is to anticipate every argument and rebuttal coming your way. I mean, one of the ABCs' of law is to "never ask a question you don't know the answer to." But I don't need to know it all, in fact even if I did, I still won't be able to convince everyone. And that's. ok. What a load off my back.
Continue (here's the big point).
Verse 29: "Paul replied, 'Short time or long--I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (I switched translations on ya, aka this one was NIV).
Screeching Halt!
This is what hit me. This is exactly what I've been feeling recently. There has been an immense desire to spread the Gospel within me recently. To be completely honest, I knew the feeling was there, I just didn't know how strong it was until I read this verse. I want my brothers and sisters; aunts and uncles; friends and enemies to get to know Jesus!
I want them to feel peace when life around them feels pathetic;
I want them to feel loved when they are at their least lovable state;
I want them to feel joy so high that they can't even put it to words;
I want them to feel Jesus ya'll.
I want them to feel Jesus.
It's never driven me this crazy before. Maybe it's because I'm in the process of switching careers within the next few days. Maybe it's because I've found a church home and subsequently have become loyal to it (shoutout to Spirit & Truth Fellowship). I can't explain it. I just want everyone to know Jesus, my Christ, my God, my Jehovah.
I know this is an abrupt way to end this blog, but I Can't Hold It!
Thanks for reading!
I Can't Hold It - Byron Cage
