The Right Time

Sunday, September 1, 2019
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "We've A Story To Tell To The Nations"1 (Lyrics)

Acts 25:11 – If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar! (NIV)

When the apostle Paul boldly made his appeal to Caesar, he was setting in motion a whole process that would have global consequences. It was the right of every Roman citizen who faced serious accusations to have their case heard directly by the Roman Emperor. Paul knew that this was also a risky thing to do because if Caesar rejected his appeal, he would be summarily executed — which is what happened to him, years later.

Paul's appeal, however, was not to get him out of a life-threatening situation; it was to give him the opportunity of extending his gospel mission by taking him to the very heart of the Empire — to Rome itself — where Paul could continue his great task of shaping the early church. It was remarkably courageous of him to do this, and very effective. His influence is still evident over our faith today: his letters that were written from prison contain great advice for Christians and churches all over the world.

Although we will never find ourselves in a situation like that of Paul, we are all called to share our Christian faith effectively, boldly, and compassionately, no matter who we are, where we live, or what we do. Spreading the gospel of Christ does not require us to be great preachers or teachers like the apostle Paul, but does involve investing our time, gifts, and resources into the life, work, and mission that Jesus began, that Paul extended, and that we are called to continue in our lives. Today is a good time to begin; now is the moment of Christ's calling in our community.

Points to ponder: How does my faith influence others? Am I ready to share Christ's love with my circle and community?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for servants like Paul who pioneered our faith so that one day we would be given the opportunity to accept, love, and serve You as our Saviour and King. Be with us today, and encourage us to share Your gospel effectively and compassionately. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thank you, John, for this encouraging insight.


    Thanks, John, for sharing this encouraging challenge.


    Thanks, John, for sharing this gospel message with us! Blessings.


    Grateful for your insight and teaching me today, John. Thanks for your faithfulness.


    A lovely call to the Great Mission, John! Thanks for this devotional!
    Blessings.


    Greetings John,
    Thanks for this very meaningful devotional. Yes, it is vital that we exemplify Christian behaviour in our daily lives so others will come to know the love and care of our loving Saviour.
    Blessings,
    (B.C.)


    Every time I read an exceptionally inspiring devotional, I know the name John Stuart will appear at the end of it!
    Thank you for blessing us.


    Good morning
    Your devotional spoke to my heart. I discussed your “Point to ponder” just last week with a friend from the church. What are we doing indeed to bring the gospel to those all around us? We decided that we do what we can each in our own way, but that we so often fail.
    Thank you for writing.


    Thank you, John Stuart, for the message.
    I appreciate the way you brought out Paul’s aim and his accomplishments for our Lord, and the impact through the centuries, and to us of course.
    Praise the Lord.
    My prayer is for revival, spread, and impact of the gospel of Jesus Christ to millions in the world today.
    Keep writing.

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