June 7, 2012 - Acts 24:34-35

            “Several days later Felix came with his wife Drisilla, who was a Jewess.  He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.  As Paul discoursed on 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.’”  Acts 24:34-35.

            While Paul was imprisoned, Felix, the governor, had Paul brought before he and his wife, Drisilla.  They wanted to hear more about Paul and his message concerning Jesus.  Paul’s message on the righteous judgment of God was very interesting to Felix and Drisilla, but in time, as Paul continued to speak, they became convicted by the Holy Spirit and became very nervous and unsettled.  Felix demanded that Paul be taken back to the jail, saying that when he found it more convenient, he would call for Paul.  Felix was engaged and interested in what Paul had to say, but once Paul spoke some difficult words concerning God’s judgment to come, Felix did not like it and did not like the feelings of fear and conviction.

            I tend to be a thinker and enjoy thinking and talking about God.  I especially perk up when the subject is on a topic that is near and dear to me; for example, the Church and how she is doing today in Western countries.  You see, I enjoy these things because I can hold the topic away from me and not let it get too close.  When the discussion becomes more of a personal call to action or repentance, I start getting nervous.  I am not comfortable with topics that convict me for a lack of action, and especially conviction that demands repentance regarding issues of the heart.  I find that it is rarely “convenient” to be convicted and to repent.  Yet, God has His own timing and doesn’t wait for a time that is convenient for me.

            Questions to consider: When the message gets too close, how do you react or respond to it?  Have you ever avoided repenting for something because it wasn’t “convenient”?  When was the last time you were convicted by God concerning an issue?  How did you feel, and what was the outcome?

            Prayer: Father, help me to respond to Your timing concerning issues that I need to change, and help me to not use convenience as an excuse to avoid repenting.  Amen.