Scripture: Job 17; Acts 24-26
Acts 26:28-29
But Agrippa did answer: “Keep this up much longer and you’ll make a Christian out of me!”Paul, still in chains, said, “That’s what I’m praying for, whether now or later, and not only you but everyone listening today, to become like me—except, of course, for this prison jewelry!”
Observation: Paul wanted “everyone listening today to become like him.” Paul was a profound scholar, a man of deep faith and impervious resolve. Knowing that you can only reproduce what you are, I’d say that one could do a lot worse than to be like Paul. But do we really want to reproduce our Christian faith in others? It doesn’t seem that way most days. Paul’s drive to reproduce his faith in the people around him is inspiring, and makes this passage a vital link to our understanding of evangelism.
Application: Sometimes, I find myself so dejected about my faith, I have a hard time wanting it for someone else. In the modern world, we’re so very careful not to inflict our beliefs on those around us. But we often take it too far, refusing to comment on matters of faith for fear of offending. The idea is to engage in conversation when the opportunity arises, answering questions, and sparking interest without operating like a bull in a china shop.
Prayer: Lord, I’m asking another favor, but its in keeping with what you have asked of me already. Help me to be prepared to speak the right words at the right time. And please give me the strength to discipline myself to be worthy of reproducing. Amen.
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