THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 24:17-21
“I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection…'” (Acts 24:21)
I have a picture in my mind of this scene: Paul shouting in the temple.
This would take a lot of nerve from a former Jew, now turned Jesus follower.
The temple was the most sacred space for the Jews, and Paul had betrayed it.
What strikes me most of all is Paul’s boldness, which I lack.
Some may say it was his personality type; he was a loud, bold person.
That may be, but he had also had a life-changing experience with Jesus.
His meeting the living Jesus turned him from an enemy, to an advocate of Jesus.
Our celebration of Easter is behind us this year, but is its impact still evident?
Do I know the living Jesus, is my experience of the resurrection making me bold?
Paul was not being disrespectful when he was in the temple.
But when challenged, he did not deny his faith in the living Jesus.
I do not need to push my faith on others, but neither do I need to deny it.
When pressed and challenged, am I ready to shout my confidence in Jesus?
“Lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid!” (Isaiah 40:9)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be ready to shout when the time comes, to speak humbly and boldly about You, that others may hear and know Who You are!