OUR EYE-OPENING ASSIGNMENT
Paul gave his faith testimony before the Roman governor Festus and the last of the House of Herod, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice. In his testimony, he shared the calling that Christ had given him.
First, he was sent by Jesus (“I am sending you”). The Greek word for this is “apostolos” (“one sent”). Paul was an apostle of Jesus.
Second, his ministry was to lead people into the light of the gospel to open their eyes and set them free from Satanic lies. So that they might “receive” the forgiveness that Christ offers and be given a place among God’s people.
Festus and Agrippa had different reactions to Paul’s testimony. Festus thought him crazy, while Agrippa admitted that he was nearly persuaded. But both decided that Paul was innocent of the Jewish leaders accusations. And both remained unchanged spiritually. Festus continued in spiritual darkness, failing to comprehend the light. And Agrippa stayed in bondage to sin, continuing in an incestuous relationship with his sister Bernice and idolizing Rome.
Yet, Paul had fulfilled his calling. He shared the testimony that Christ had commissioned him to give. Some people choose to remain in ignorance, while others willfully choose to love their sin over submitting to Christ as Lord and Savior. Yet some have their eyes opened, being set free from Satan’s power, receiving forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation through faith in Jesus.
Now we, like Paul, have been given this same eye-opening assignment.
PRAYER: Dear Father, You have given us the same assignment as the apostle Paul through Your Son, Jesus. We are sent. Strengthen us for the ministry You have given us. Open doors for Your Word to shine forth through us that people might open their eyes and be saved. In Jesus’ name, amen.