SUNDAY January 28, 2024
Fault Finding
But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.”
Acts 25:4-5
As the new governor, Festus took his duties seriously; and although he favored the Jews, he became a much better defender of Paul. He honestly wanted to do what was right and sensed the Jews hostility toward the apostle. Yet Festus would find the Jews hard to handle. As governor, they placed a lot of pressure on him. The Jews wanted Paul to be tried in Jerusalem, but Festus made sure he would remain in Caesarea.
During the closing years of Paul’s lifetime, we shall see him in prison, in court trials, and witnessing before a King and Queen. He shall encounter shipwreck, minister the Gospel in Malta, and be placed under Roman guard, while continuing his ministry in Rome. Finally, Paul shall stand before Nero, and after martyrdom, stand in the very presence of God. Watching Paul’s life will help us to trust God in times of trials.
The most beautiful thing to consider was that God had already prepared Paul for every single event that was going to happen to him. Before him were incredible opportunities to testify of the Gospel to so many different people––both Jewish and Roman. He had peace knowing God had revealed to him the final outcome. He knew he was chosen by God to stand before one of the worst emperors of Rome––Caesar Nero––to testify of Jesus Christ. The Lord had a tremendous plan for his life.
In this evil world, we face a lot of pressure to conform to worldly views. Laws have become contrary to our Christian beliefs. Those hostile to Christ may falsify information against you in your place of work. Under pressure, you are either going to stand for the truth or embrace a lie. As Christians, ask God for His power to speak the truth no matter the cost. Understand, people are not so much finding fault with you. They are finding fault with what is written in the Bible.
He that reads his Bible to find fault with it will soon discover that the Bible finds fault with him.
~Charles H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
