Today’s devotion comes from Acts 26:24-32.
“24 While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.”
25 But Paul *said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.
26 For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.”
28 Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”
29 And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”
30 The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them,
31 and when they had gone aside, they began talking to one another, saying, “This man is not doing anything worthy of death or imprisonment.”
32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Acts 26:24-32.
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In today’s Scripture, Paul seems to be winning favor with at least King Agrippa, but alas, Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” However, we realize the lack of release was not unfortunate, but according to the will of God in fulfillment with the words of Jesus in Acts 23:11. “But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” Acts 23:11.
Thus, we are reminded that God “… works all things after the counsel of His will”. Ephesians 1:11.
“Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;” Isaiah 46:9-10.
That God will accomplish all of His good pleasure is not only the truth of God’s sovereignty, it also gives us great comfort. “… without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation …” Answer 1 to Question 1 of The Heidelberg Catechism.
Let us go out this Monday, and even every day, with the truth of God’s sovereignty firmly fixed in our minds. As Jesus commanded Paul, let us all “Take Courage”. As taught in The Heidelberg Catechism, let us all also take comfort.
