Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 70-71; Acts 25
Devotional Thought:
The Jewish leadership had no patience with the likes of Paul. He was preaching that the Jesus they had put to death was alive and would one day come to rule and reign. These Jewish rulers had falsely accused Jesus and persuaded the Romans to put Him to death. Now they were striving to do the same with Paul. They did not appreciate anyone who questioned their control. As they manipulated the system for their own benefit, they could not tolerate any person who would teach otherwise. The high priest Jonathan had been killed by Felix and was replaced with man named Ishmael. Knowing the fragility of the situation, Festus wasted no time in coming to Caesarea to try to calm things down.
Upon hearing the accusations, Festus found them to be surprisingly meaningless and trivial. He was surprised by the lack of evidence, the abundance of emotion, and the fierceness of the Jewish leadership. Festus was surprised that this was not being dealt with in Jerusalem where the Jews were permitted to try their own for crimes against their own religious system. Festus was willing to try to appease the Jews by being willing to travel to Jerusalem and try Paul there. However, Paul was adamant that he had done nothing worthy of death and therefore he appealed unto Caesar. When King Agrippa arrives with all his pomp and circumstance Festus makes the case for Paul that he finds no fault in him. “For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.” (vs. 27)
When I read this story I find the hand of God graciously orchestrating an opportunity for Festus and Agrippa to hear the gospel. God truly is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) Oh how we must be content to let God do His perfect work through us. We are pilgrims just passing through.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to trust you in every situation. I know you are right in the things you choose for me to face. I desire to be found faithful as the apostle Paul was during this trying time of his life.
• Lord, please give me boldness and opportunity to reach the political leaders of our day with the gospel of Jesus Christ.