Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." ~Acts 26:28
Pastor Jared has been expounding upon the Book of Acts in his summer sermon series. As someone who has read the Bible through multiple times, I find his lessons to be so insightful, edifying, and never, ever boring. He truly has an excellent gift for preaching and teaching without pretense.
In Acts 26, we meet King Agrippa. His grandfather is none other than Herod the Great, or the not-so-great in the eyes of the Jewish people living under his rule. Herod, if you recall, is the tyrant who ordered all male children under the age of two, living in and around Bethlehem, to be slaughtered. He couldn't take a chance that the wise men's announcement of a new king of the Jews was born. After all, that was his and his family's exclusive role!
It is Herod the Great's son who approves of Jesus' crucifixion sentence. Agrippa knows all of his family's history. And Paul's preaching of the Way is no secret to him either. Being raised in the Jewish traditions, Herod and his progeny are well versed in the Law and the Prophets, but never to the point that their own power and influence could be compromised.
Paul's words on this particular day seem to have moved Agrippa closer toward Christ than in any previous time. But here's the catch: Almost.
We use that seemingly innocuous word a lot in our daily conversations, don't we? Our team almost won the game. I almost got that promotion. She almost made straight A's on her report card.
When we hear or say the word in these instances, we leave open the door to the possibilities of doing better the next time around. You know the old adage: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
But as Pastor Jared points out, there is no almost when it comes to committing our lives to Jesus. We're either all in, or all out. There is no almost saved, almost grace, almost belief. When we cling to worldly accolades - power, prestige, fame - how can we be fully surrendered to God and His will for our lives?
We can't.
There are many Agrippas in our society today. Those whom Jesus calls to be His servants who say, "Not yet." Or, "Not now." Or even, saddest of all, "Never!"
May we all pray for these lost souls, knowing that almost will never satisfy the Almighty.
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth." ~Revelation 3:15-16
Agrippa seemed almost weighed down by his family history - the grandfather who ordered the slaughter of the babies, the father who signed off on the crucifixion. He had a choice -- forgiveness or family history. And he chose.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly was feeling that weight of his family's questionable legacy, Glynn, I would agree. It was, in the end, more important to him to save face in the presence of people instead of humbling himself to God.
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There are many Agrippas in our society today. And that's the saddest thing of all. Non-commitment to God.
ReplyDeleteThanx Martha for this post. God bless.
God has opened every door possible, inviting us to come into His presence and be His child. How sad is it to refuse that relationship He offers through Jesus, Victor. You've said it all.
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The saddest word in the Bible: Almost. The other one: No. Both show a refusal to make a choice to follow Jesus. Both have the same eternal ending. :(
ReplyDeleteYes, Bill, those words almost and no ARE the saddest words we could hear or say when it comes to accepting Jesus' saving grace. They absolutely have eternal repercussions.
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Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteYes, in present times there are way too many that ONLY are committed to their own fame and power.
A very sad stage in society as a whole and it is about time to turn back to God for real power that is everlasting.
Hugs,
Mariette
We certainly need to pray for all those who would rather think that the world revolves around them instead of our eternal, loving, forgiving Father, Mariette. May they see the light of truth!
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💞
DeleteHearts right back at you!
DeleteThank you for this.
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Thank you, Regine.
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We are studying Acts in Sunday school but have not reached that lesson yet. Thanks for the overview, Martha. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteHow timely this is for you, Diana, to be studying Acts in your Sunday school class. Now you have a new angle to discuss when you get to Chapter 26.
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Martha...I sure wish EVERYONE could read this post!! You are so right..the word Almost is used so often and honestly, I have never really paid attention to the true meaning. I love how you presented this word in a way that reveals the Truth of Almost. I pray for everyone who uses this word in their relationship with God. May they be Committed to serving HIM and not almost.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind and complimentary words here, Shug, but all kudos should be given to Pastor Jared. He really opened many eyes and ears to the dangers of "almost" when it comes to relying completely on God and His saving grace.
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I never thought "almost" as in the relatioship with God. For me it was always yes. Once I heard a coworker mentioned that he didn't believe in God, I was actually lost for words, I didn't know what to say. It still shocks me how many people in today's world still say no for a relationship with God. I'm no angel but I have always believed, I'm sure my upbringing was the reason for it.
ReplyDeleteNone of us are angels nor can we possibly be perfect, Bill, that's for sure. But when we know Jesus through and through, God will work in us and through us to shine His light of salvation to all those around us. I truly don't understand how anyone can say that God doesn't exist and find any hope in their lives.
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"All in or all out" -- that is so true.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Barbara, it is truer than true.
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It breaks my heart how many people are "almost" Christians. They strive to be good people and think that's enough, but don't take the word of Almighty God, their Maker, as truth: JESUS is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him (John 14:6). We have such people among our friends and family; I pray for them every day.
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