May 17, 2012 - Acts 24:5

            “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world.  He is the ringleader of the Nazarene sect.”  Acts 24:5.

            Paul was in Caesarea on trial before the governor, whose name is Felix.  The Jewish high priest, Ananias, appeared at the trial along with several leaders and a lawyer, named Tertullus, who was to plead their case against Paul.  Paul was brought in before Felix and Tertullus began his prosecution.  Tertullus started his accusations, saying that Paul was the cause of many disturbances and riots among the Jews who were located all around the Roman Empire.  Yet when we consider the result of these disturbances and “riots”, it all seems worth it.  Thousands came to know Jesus in a personal way through Paul’s work among them.

            Sometimes, I feel as though life for me is just too nice and calm.  By that I mean that I am not doing much to bring the kingdom of God to the world around me.  A sign to me that I am not doing enough is that there is not enough “stirring up” of the kingdom of darkness.  If I am not under attack in some way, it could very well mean that I am not doing much to disturb the darkness.  Paul shook up the darkness wherever he went.  There were riots and all kinds of disturbances, and many people were converted from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God.  I want to shake up my world for Jesus’ sake!  How about you?  Let’s create a disturbance for Jesus’ sake!

            Questions to consider: If it was illegal to be a Christ follower, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  Are you doing anything to shake up the world around you for the kingdom of God?  If so, what’s happening?  If not, why not?

            Prayer: Father, give me a fire in my soul that would cause me to disturb the kingdom of darkness around me, so that the Holy Spirit would draw many to Your kingdom.  May Your kingdom come, here in my part of the world.  Amen.