A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
Over the past few weeks we have examined the discussion the Apostle Paul had with Felix the Roman Governor as recorded in the Book of Acts chapter 24 verse 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”. Why was Felix with all the power of his position afraid of what a prisoner said to him? Once again it is helpful to find where the word “afraid” is first mentioned in the Bible. Genesis 3 verse 10 records when after Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil their innocence was for ever ended. For the first time they were aware of their nakedness and realised how far short they were of the holiness of God and so they tried to hide from Him. “Adam answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” However nobody can hide from God as Psalm 139 verse 7 tells us- Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there – if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. But the good news is that just as God sought out Adam and Eve and clothed them He also wants to “clothe” us in His righteousness through Jesus Christ so we will no longer be afraid of Him, but instead enjoy His presence. Felix “was afraid” because Paul exposed his spiritual “nakedness” yet sadly he procrastinated and entered eternity without making peace with God. Dear reader don’t make the same mistake, stop hiding from God and let Him “clothe “ you and then you will experience what Jesus promised in John 14v27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
God Bless Graeme Greenwood