Acts 24:24–27 (NIV)
Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
This magnificent passage tells us two things that join to paint a glorious picture. First, Felix is so corrupt that he’s trying to squeeze a bribe out of Paul. How clueless is that?
Second, Felix and his wife are drawn to Paul’s gospel message. They sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. Upon hearing his message, particularly about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid. Still, he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
It’s deliciously ironic that it was his corruption, his hope that Paul would offer him a bribe, that helped keep the gospel message flowing. Of course, corruption is why he needs the gospel in the first place (not just his bribe-taking, but his overall corrupt/sinful nature).
But, as always, Paul’s seeming lack of interest in getting out of jail is what drives the train. Wherever Paul finds himself, that’s the place God has sent him to preach the gospel.
I think if Paul fell out of an airplane, he’d just preach to the clouds on the way down.
Paul’s right; we’re called to preach wherever we are. Do you think that to take the gospel “to the ends of the Earth” you have to go somewhere like Japan or Africa? If so, then you must think that the center of the earth is where you are. In fact, America is just about as far away from Jerusalem as you can get.
Has God placed you where you are for a purpose? Could your situation be a calling—even if it’s not great otherwise? Many modern missionaries have seen their ministries grow spectacularly after being imprisoned. The more incredibly bizarre a situation is, the more likely it’s of supernatural origin.
Paul’s attitude is perfect; everything is an opportunity. Life is filled with unexpected delays and changes in plans. Rather than be annoyed by them, we should be wondering, “What is He up to now?”
Actually, we shouldn’t be wondering; we should be asking — “What are You up to now, Lord?”
This attitude is easy to describe but hard to practice. Trying times are distracting. They often force us to act quickly. You can memorize that God is in control until you’re blue in the face, but in the heat of the moment …
It’s in times like these that I sometimes pray a strange prayer. I look up and scream, “Seriously?!”
