January 12, 2012 - Acts 21:40

“Having received the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were silent, he said to them in Aramaic...” Acts 21:40
In Jerusalem, Paul had been taken by the crowd of Jews out of the temple and was being severely beaten. It was at this time that Roman soldiers arrived and took possession of Paul. As they were about to enter the Roman barracks, Paul, in Greek, asked the commander if he would allow Paul to speak to the crowd. The commander, startled that this man spoke Greek, allowed Paul to speak. Paul raised his hands to settle the crowd down, and when he began to speak to them in Aramaic, the crowd began to listen intently. Paul, then, began to tell his story. Can you imagine having been beaten almost to death and then having the boldness to stand before those who just beat you and tell them about Jesus and how you met Him? Paul was sold out to Jesus, and willing to die for his Lord.
I find that there are times when I wimp out in sharing the Good News of Jesus to those around me that may not know Him. Whether I am not prepared to share or I chicken out for fear of rejection, I, at times, back off from telling these people about Jesus. It was a risk telling them my story of how I came to know and follow Jesus. Yet, whenever I have told it, people usually respond positively and don’t get too upset. Several times, it led to deeper discussions and questions. I am working on being sold out to Jesus in my life and not just in my words. If I say that I am all in with Jesus, then my actions need to confirm the truth of those words.
Questions to consider: What does being sold out mean to you? Where are you in terms of being sold out to Jesus? If you desire to be sold out, what actions could you take? What could be your first step?
Prayer: Father, may my actions conform to my words, as with Paul, and may I have a renewed boldness to share Your Good News. Amen.