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Jan 08, 2025 06:00am

Life-Saving Message

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High cholesterol.

That’s what the lab report from the doctor’s office revealed. This wasn’t the first time we had heard this. His dad also had high cholesterol, so we knew it was genetic.

“Yes, you can take medicine, but we can also improve it so they don’t have to increase the dosage amounts on the medicine.”

My husband was good with that. He wanted to learn more, especially when I explained the risks associated with high cholesterol.

“If we exercise more and improve our diet…”

And that was it.

That’s all he needed to know.

“I am not giving up fried fish or deer steak,” he defiantly declared.

“I’m not saying we cut it out altogether, just some changes here and there in how we eat can really be…”

Nope. He was done listening. Not gonna do it.

Acts 24:1
“Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.”

Paul stands trial before Felix, the governor. Felix has called the Jewish leaders to present their case. They twist together a tale of lies against Paul, yet conveniently, no one they say can attest to these accusations is present.

Paul responds.

“And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.
14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law, and that is written in the Prophets,
15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.”

He accounts for what really happened and declares his belief in Jesus (The Way).

Felix was familiar with this term and knew of the trouble among the Jews in their quest to be rid of Christians.

Paul is thrown back into prison and told to wait until the chief captain comes.

“24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.
25 As Paul talked about 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.”
26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.”

Felix was interested in hearing from Paul. He had gone to the prison seeking a bribe, but Paul gave him and his wife the truth about Jesus instead. Paul shared many things with them, but when he got to the part about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix stopped him.

Nope. He was done listening. Not gonna do it.

Like Herod Antipas, Felix was guilty of taking another man’s wife. These words that Paul shared stung. They hit a chord within him, and he didn’t like it.

It meant that he was wrong, guilty. It meant that God was in authority over him, and he would have to face judgment. Changes would have to be made.

And he didn’t want anything to do with it.

God allowed Paul to be put in prison. Not for punishment for something he did but to be His mouthpiece – to share the gospel. And Paul obeyed.

He could have chosen to give a bribe and secure his freedom. He could have found ways to puff up Felix’s ego and not speak of Jesus, but Paul chose to use this time for what was important.

He knew his message was a life-saving one. And he was willing to share it no matter the cost.

Wherever we find ourselves today, we can be a mouthpiece for God to speak truth into those around us. Whether they gladly accept it or turn away as Felix did, that’s their choice.

But we are required – not only required – but as Christ’s followers, we should desire to share His Word. Our hearts should be broken for the lost. We have a life-saving message that could rescue them and glorify our Lord.

Are we willing to share?

Picture: the size of fish Shaun thinks he gets to eat when I say the words “diet changes”.