Paul's Wish to God
Paul gave an impassioned plea to King Agrippa to put his trust in Christ, but Agrippa was not ready. It was then that Paul shared his heart with everyone in the crowd that day. It was his wish to God that all of those hearing him would become such as he was, except without the chains that bound him. (Acts 26:29) What was Paul's desire and what was he saying to them? I believe we need to think about this deeply and ask ourselves a few personal questions.
Of course, I believe it was Paul's wish to God that all of those who heard him give witness to the gospel become Christians. However, if that was all he meant, he could have said it in a different way. What Paul affirmed was that he wished they could become such as he was. I believe that means, he wished they could have the same relationship with Christ that he had, and because of that type of relationship, they could have all of the benefits that come with knowing Jesus.
Now I ask the questions for us. Are you a Christian? If not, that is the main decision you need to make by turning away from your way, putting your trust in Christ as the One who died for you and rose again, and surrendering to Him as Lord of your life. However, If you are a follower of Jesus, would you want others to have the same relationship with Jesus, the same love, joy, and peace that you have in your life? We all should be able to say that with confidence like Paul did. Our lives should be examples to others of what a difference in makes to know Jesus and to walk with Him each day. It doesn't make us perfect, but it is the abundant life, the greatest way any person can live on this earth.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 27-28 and Romans 1.
Of course, I believe it was Paul's wish to God that all of those who heard him give witness to the gospel become Christians. However, if that was all he meant, he could have said it in a different way. What Paul affirmed was that he wished they could become such as he was. I believe that means, he wished they could have the same relationship with Christ that he had, and because of that type of relationship, they could have all of the benefits that come with knowing Jesus.
Now I ask the questions for us. Are you a Christian? If not, that is the main decision you need to make by turning away from your way, putting your trust in Christ as the One who died for you and rose again, and surrendering to Him as Lord of your life. However, If you are a follower of Jesus, would you want others to have the same relationship with Jesus, the same love, joy, and peace that you have in your life? We all should be able to say that with confidence like Paul did. Our lives should be examples to others of what a difference in makes to know Jesus and to walk with Him each day. It doesn't make us perfect, but it is the abundant life, the greatest way any person can live on this earth.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 27-28 and Romans 1.