“‘King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.’ Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’ Paul replied, ‘Short time or long – I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.’” (Acts 26:27-29 NIV84)

Paul was reaching the end of his message and King Agrippa was so moved by what Paul was saying that he chimed in. He felt the tug of the Gospel message and raised the question as to whether Paul thought that he (Agrippa) could be persuaded to Christianity in such a short time. Paul’s response should be in the back of our minds at all times when we think about our duty to witness to the Christian faith. Paul told Agrippa it didn’t matter to him whether it took a short time or a long time, but that the only thing that mattered to him was that he (Agrippa) and everyone listening would become what he was minus the chains. Paul’s only desire was that his hearers hear God calling them through Paul’s message.

The same must be true for us as well! Our goal is to make disciples of God’s kingdom. It is not and never will be about us. It was about us when God called us and redeemed us into His kingdom. Now it must be about the lost. It must be about those who have yet to hear the truth of the Gospel. Once we’ve done our part, the rest is up to God. We don’t do the persuading; the Holy Spirit does that. It is our job to plant seeds and let God take care of the growing and reaping. In word and deed, let’s leave it all out on the field and let God take care of the rest.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church