Acts 24:25
“Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”
Time is an interesting thing. We are always spending it and it cannot be saved. Failing to do something today, does not guarantee we will have the time for it tomorrow. Felix’s encounter with the Gospel message teaches us something important about how we use this moment for eternal things.
Paul had been promised, early on in his walk with the Lord, that he would have opportunity to share Christ with kings, or political rulers. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he finds himself standing before the Roman Ruler of Judea, with an open door to share Christ. In true Pauline fashion, he “swings for the fences”, and declares how Christ was risen from the dead and offers eternal life. He warns of the coming resurrection; that all men will one day stand before God to give account for this life. Those who have received Christ will enter into eternity, and those who have rejected Him, will face eternal judgment.
After hearing the truth of Christ so clearly explained, Felix’s response is striking. He sends Paul away, anticipating that in his future he will have “a convenient time” to decide for Christ. Sadly, as the story unfolds, Felix never finds that time. He is given many more opportunities to receive Christ, only to find further reasons to put it off.
Tragically, Felix is not alone in this. Many, upon hearing the Gospel, recognize it to be true; the Spirit of God is speaking to them, and stirring within them to respond. Yet, like Felix, they put it off. Perhaps they too, think tomorrow will be a more favorable day. Those who put off Christ, do so for many reasons. Some are concerned how their response to Christ will impact them socially. They are concerned about what others will think of them, how their friends will react to the news, or how their co-workers will treat them. Others are hoping for one more experience with sin. Perhaps another night of partying, or a final chance of sleeping with their girlfriend; only to find that they are never able to satisfy the craving for one more.
The truth is, there will NEVER be a more convenient time to get things right with the Lord than this moment. If need be, take time to surrender all to Jesus, and begin a fresh new walk with Him
Pastor Jim
We have no way of knowing how long Simeon remained incarcerated in Egypt, while his brothers attempted to convince Jacob to send them back. The assumption is, quite some time passed, since it would have been foolish to make the lengthy and dangerous journey to Egypt and not purchase enough food to last a long time. However long it may have been, time ran out when the food ran out. Jacob’s hand was forced, as they looked at the reality of facing another season without rain and without food. The words of Judah to his father are quite revealing, “If we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.” Had the difficult decision been made earlier, the trip would have been a memory, and the family would already be reunited. Instead, all the work remained in front of them. I wonder if this statement could be made regarding our spiritual condition? It seems there are works in each of us, God has been desiring to do, but we have been fighting against them. We see the task as too big, and don’t think we will ever be able to accomplish it. Procrastination will never make a decision, or a task easier. Waiting will only make things more difficult. If you have been neglecting to put off sin, or put on righteousness, keep in mind, had you done it when God first asked, the work would be finished, and you would be already be tasting the sweet fruit of victory. Don’t wait another minute to get busy with that to which God has called you.
Jim Gallagher 