Lifted High and a King Turns Away

Albert Bogle September 22, 2023 2 2

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Acts 26: 24-29 (NRSVA)

24 While he was making this defence, Festus exclaimed, ‘You are out of your mind, Paul! Too much learning is driving you insane!’ 25 But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth. 26 Indeed the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely; for I am certain that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.’ 28 Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?’ 29 Paul replied, ‘Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am—except for these chains.’

Have you ever noticed how people love to hear a faith story as long as it doesn’t involve them. The thing is when we begin to tell our stories of faith, ones in which Jesus is lifted high, there are always people who are drawn to the power and significance of the telling, but somehow can’t bring themselves to take the last step of faith.

Our reading today tells us how Paul finds himself before King Agrippa. Both the king and the Roman Governor Festus, find themselves intrigued by the message Paul shares. But they can’t bring themselves to believing that God was at work in their generation. They could not see what Paul had come to grasp. There is a haunting quote from the King that has echoed down through the generations. Paul has so eloquently lifted the name of Jesus so high that the King finds himself responding to the message by saying ‘Paul, you almost persuade me to be a Christian’. From that meeting Paul was on his way to face Caesar himself where he would once again lift high the name of Jesus.

Today is your opportunity to lift high the name of Jesus, by the way you respond to the people and situations that come your way.

Almost Persuaded

Lord Jesus,

I’m praying for people I know like the King

So near to the kingdom

But afraid of the cross and its consequences

Almost persuaded but controlled by fear

Fear of friends and family

Fear of losing influence

Fear of love itself

Grant to us the courage

To never give up

To keep speaking well of each other

To lift your name high within all our circles

And if the occasion rises

Let us speak with confidence before Caesar.