Today’s Reading: Acts 26:19-32

“I wish before God,” replied Paul, “that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am-except for these chains.” 

 

Acts 26:29

Reflection

Freedom is found in the Truth of Christ, which cannot be restricted by worldly constraints. In His defense in court, Paul shares the Truth of the Gospel to Governor Festus, King Agrippa, and other officials of Caesarea. He wants these people to experience the freedom He has in God through Jesus. Although Paul stands in chains, those listening to him are the ones who are actually imprisoned. Governor Festus, for instance, is too constrained by the reasoning of the world to examine the reasonableness of the Gospel. He dismisses Paul, calling him crazy from too much study. King Agrippa, on the other hand, is bound by the desire to please others. When challenged by Paul to believe in the Gospel, he takes his cue from Festus who has vocally dismissed Paul’s argument. These two leaders are one choice away from freedom, but choose to refuse it. As they leave Paul, they fail to realize that they are the ones left in bondage. They choose to remain bound by sin and controlled by the world around them.

Knowledge of the Truth of Jesus is the only thing that can make us truly free. It releases us from the ways of the world and looses us from the temptations in our hearts. It frees us to think and act differently. The Truth is simple: Jesus died to set us free from sin, and to bring us into relationship with Him for eternity. The choice for freedom is ours to make. Are we like Festus and Agrippa, or are we like Paul? We can choose for ourselves to receive freedom in Jesus by believing in Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your complete freedom from sin. Thank You for the salvation You have given so freely. I live in joy because of Your marvelous work on the Cross. I pray, Lord, that You keep me in Your freedom. Please motivate my thoughts, words, and actions today for Your glory. I want to live in thankfulness for all that You’ve done for me. I pray all of these things in Your Holy Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Acts 26:19-32; 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10; Psalm 49