A More Convenient Time

But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.”

Acts chapters 24 and 25 cover one of the most vital truths and

teachings about standing firm in our faith and proclaiming Jesus

Christ as Lord in the face of persecution – or even death.

Paul has been arrested and brought before Felix, the Roman judge and governor.

He was charged with being a pest – a traitor – and a leader of heresy.

In other words, Paul was a pest to the Roman government.

He was on trial for being an agitator, or a troublemaker against the

Roman government.

Paul was teaching a religion that was not licensed by the Roman emperor.

Felix was a man who had a common life, but had received influence from

his brother’s position, and began a rise up the Roman ladder of

success.

He finally became the Procurator, or Governor of the area of Caesarea.

He was known as a ruthless and unmerciful judge and ruler.

Drucilla, who was Felix’s 3rd wife was a Jewess. She left her former

husband in order to marry Felix.

Drucilla had come from a long line of evil rulers. Her father had

murdered James, her uncle killed John the Baptist, and her Grandfather

had been responsible for the death of many babies in Bethlehem when

Christ was born.

Quite a family history there.

Based on their record we can know that these two - Felix and Drucilla

– before they came to Paul, they had lived extremely wicked lives.

They were inclined to seek their own way, and to run over  - or get

rid of anyone who opposed them or tried to get in their way to taking

rule overall.

They may have been very sincere in their wanting to hear Paul

concerning the faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul, of course, was surely thankful for the opportunity to speak to

these people about Jesus Christ.

But they were not yet ready to accept what Paul told them about Jesus.

There are people today who are not ready or willing to accept what is required of them.

When Felix and Drucilla heard what Paul had to say, they were afraid.

The Scripture says Felix became afraid and sent Paul away with this

comment: “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon

you.”

So many people today – and throughout history have said the same thing.

The powerful Word of God – as Paul preached it here – should cause us

to tremble when we recognize the sin in our lives.

Many do not want to give up the loose and free way they want to live.

They are afraid to give up their right to live anyway they choose.

People will convince themselves that it is all just a story – made up

by mere men.

But, their refusal to accept salvation through Jesus Christ is based

on the fact that they don’t believe that there is a judgment day

coming.

Or, they believe - like Felix and Drucilla – that maybe, at a more

convenient time – they will come and give their heart and life to

Jesus Christ.

But, the truth remains --- Judgement Will Come!

And, no one knows when it will come, but once death takes anyone, the

judgment has been made.

That is why it is so vital that we make a decision to accept the

salvation Jesus Christ lived and died for and provides for all who

will come and accept His teaching.

Procrastination is dangerous. Don’t put it off. Now is your convenient time.

This same sad story has happened countless times since Paul talked to Felix.

People have always been willing to listen to God’s Word and to be

convicted by It.

But, they have sent God away.

They have said, “I’ll wait until another more convenient day.

There is an old hymn which includes these words: “some more convenient

day on thee I’ll call”.

Jesus is calling on those who are not already His today.

He wants today to be the day you start toward salvation in Him.

Delays are dangerous when we are talking about the soul.

We can be sure that the judgment will come.

None of us can hope to escape punishment for the sins we have committed.

But, if we will accept the Gospel message, take Jesus Christ as Lord

of our lives, and obey Him in Christian baptism, we will become a new

creature.

Then, and only then, no need to fear the judgment. It will be a time

of rejoicing when Jesus returns to earth to claim His Body!

Being unprepared to meet Jesus Christ is the greatest disaster in life.

Many tragedies may happen in your life. But none will be so long

lasting and disastrous as the one spent in Hell.

But thank God, we have a choice. We can be prepared to meet God if we

are willing to accept him and obey Him at this convenient time.