Two Years – February 17, 2009

Two Years

Acts 24:25-27

Jim Stephens

02-17-09

 

Scripture:

 

25 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.” 26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. 27 Two years went by in this way, then Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.  (Acts 24:25-27 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

Paul the activist had become Paul the prisoner.  His audience had been the world, now his primary audience was one corrupt Roman government official.  This must have been really frustrating and discouraging for Paul.  It reminds me of the two years Joseph remained in prison after he interpreted the cupbearer’s dream (See Genesis 40).

 

I think it was during this two years that the aging apostle realized his emphasis had to shift from pioneering new territories to helping the churches grow strong and unified through sound teaching.

 

Thank God that Paul shifted from traveling to writing.

 

Application:

 

Sometimes God allows us to go through frustrating and difficult seasons so we will make changes and adjustments that enhance our effectiveness for his Kingdom.  Attitude is pretty much everything during these seasons.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, please feel free to choose my vocation and my location.  When it’s up to me, I tend to choose what I like and what seems best to me at the time.  I submit to your much clearer view of things.  I need quite a bit of help to keep my attitude right when I’m going through one of these seasons.  But you know that.  May it be unto me according to your will (and your timing).  Amen.