Year of Realization - Day 73: Our light should show the Way.

“…And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews [and their God] had fallen on them.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭8‬:‭17b‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When Paul was brought before King Agrippa to explain himself, he spoke with such zeal concerning the Good News of Jesus Christ, that King Agrippa commented on the persuasiveness of his words.

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time [and with so little effort] you [almost] persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul replied, “Whether in a short time or long, I wish to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these chains.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭AMP‬‬

As we know—and as is confirmed by Paul‘s response—this was the purpose of all of Paul’s teaching: to persuade those who were not yet persuaded concerning Jesus Christ.

It seems that many Christians underestimate their responsibility, as well as their ability, to persuade others concerning Christ. Additionally, we can be sure that there are many Christians who are aware that their way of being and doing is not bringing glory to God in the way that Jesus commanded.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In a letter to the church at Corinth Paul perfectly articulates our role in bringing people to Christ:

“But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God]. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In another place Paul speaks of the ability of behavior to convince others to come to Christ.

“In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In our opening scripture we see that—having heard the decree giving the Jews the right to defend themselves—many people embrace Judaism because of their fear of the Jews and the Power behind the Jews.

Now, as Christians we are not trying to make people afraid of us; but, our words and our behavior should instill in them reverential fear of our Lord and King Jesus Christ. It doesn’t speak well of our Lord when we live sloppy lives, indicating we have no respect for Him.

“God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It seems only fitting, in view of all that God did through Jesus Christ to bring us salvation, that we make sure our testimony, along with our lifestyle, reflect Him properly.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#yearofrealization