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August 4, 2026
Prepare to meet your God
Read: Job 5, 6; Psalm 34; Acts 24
Scripture: Acts 24: 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.
Observation: Many people admire the teachings of Jesus Christ and the simplicity of the Gospel. However, many (including many Christians) want to hear only messages that soothe their ears and are pleasant to their hearts. People generally do not like to hear a message that confronts them. Here, we see a Roman governor Felix, “who was well acquainted with the Way” (Christians were first called people belonging to the Way), met Paul with his Jewish wife to hear more about the faith in Christ Jesus. In those days, when rulers met philosophers and great teachers in private to clarify their doubts, they would try to please the rulers to gain their confidence or rewards. They usually would not say anything against the rulers, fearing dire consequences. However, Paul was fearless in preaching the Gospel and talked about the immediate need of Felix and Drusilla—the knowledge about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. We do not know why Paul particularly emphasized these three things. Nevertheless, history affirms that Paul’s choice of topics was right.
Notice Felix’s response to the message: He was afraid and tried to move Paul away from him. Paul’s talk must have touched his conscience and made him aware of the sins he committed. With no interest in hearing further and accepting the message, he said, “That’s enough.” When people hear something they don’t like, they immediately respond, “That’s enough.” Felix was unwilling to accept the message Paul preached to him but hoped to receive a bribe from Paul and talk with him “frequently,” intending to obtain money (illegally). Before he found a convenient time to hear the Gospel from Paul in the next two years, he was removed from his office.
People who postpone their decision to accept Christ do not find a convenient time again to confess Jesus is the Lord. Paul could have tried to please the governor and arranged a sum of money, thinking he could preach to more people if he came out of prison. Paul chose to be faithful to Jesus, who called him to preach the Gospel. It gave him more opportunities to speak about the Lord in royal places. Felix was not ready to accept the Way of Jesus and said excuses. Are we prepared to be faithful to live for Christ and preach the Gospel? We must be prepared to meet our God.
Application: Messages related to righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come are relevant to all ages. People, especially rulers, think that whatever they do is right and never want to be questioned by others. I should not be like them. My “righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Is.64:6). I am justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Christ is my righteousness. Self-control is a part of the fruit of the Spirit. I belong to Christ Jesus; I have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Gal.5:22-24). I am accountable to God. My life does not end in this world. Christ called me for eternal life. I must be ready to stand before God.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the Gospel that sets people free from the bondage of sin. Lord, give me the heart to accept and follow your word without any delay. Help me to bear the fruit of the Spirit in my life every day. Strengthen me to preach the Gospel without fear and prepare people to meet you, oh my God! Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 216