REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on May 15, 2016, is provided by Pastor David Kwon who leads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. David, a graduate of Drexel University and Columbia International University (M.Div.), was recently ordained. Congratulations.
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“Persevering”
Acts 25:23-27
So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”
By nature I do not like to run, but when I do run to get some exercise, I often feel like quitting after a certain point; I feel like I’ve hit a wall and my mind does many tricks, convincing me to stop. But in order to finish the goal, I need to often remind myself that the finish line is near, and all I have to do is to persevere a little further.
In reading about Paul’s trial, I’ve been personally reminded of persevering in the gospel—even when it is hard. We see that Paul never quit! In today’s passage, Paul is now facing Agrippa and Bernice, who were the Jewish King and Queen, as well as Festus and other high-ranking officials. Even with powerful officials accusing Paul of wrongdoing, he knew that God had called him and he was there on a mission. No matter how the trial would turn out, he wanted to finish well. We are reminded of what he said a few chapters back in Act 20:24: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Do you feel like quitting the race of faith? If we are honest, we will all face those walls when it just seems too hard to persevere. Maybe it is because we look at the world’s success or living our own way seems so much more appealing. But don’t quit; He is worthy! My hope and prayer is that we would finish the race well until we see Him face to face—and it will all be worth it!
Prayer: Lord, help us to stay faithful till the very end. We know that the Christian race is hard and that is why we ask for Your strength and endurance as we pursue You and Your kingdom daily. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Exodus 18