A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
The Book of Acts chapter 24 records the discussion between the Apostle Paul and the Roman Governor, Felix, on why he was imprisoned. Instead of complaining Paul took the opportunity to share the gospel with Felix and we read in verse 25: “But as Paul was discussing righteousness, self–control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and responded, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will summon you.”
What is this judgement Paul warned Felix about? We get help from when ”the judgement” is first mentioned in Scripture – Psalm 1v5 “Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” So we notice 3 things –firstly, that the wicked will not be able to stand. In a court of law the accused stands before the judge and pleads his case, but at the judgement at the end of time the wicked will be speechless and will instead kneel in submission, as we read in Philippians 2v10 “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth”.
Secondly, we read that the way of the wicked is destruction. Christ spoke more about hell than heaven because God wants us all to know that “the judgement” is real and terrifying. In Revelation 20v15 we read “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire”. In the third point we should notice that God is watching which “way” we choose – His way or our way. This choice determines what is the outcome of “the judgement”- is it heaven or hell? Friends, don’t procrastinate like Felix, but rather choose to follow Christ while you have the opportunity-none of us know what tomorrow brings. Next week God willing we will consider why Felix was “frightened”
God Bless,
Graeme Greenwood