November 7
Bible Reading: Acts 24:22-23
Acts 24:22, “But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way…”
The governor Felix had a rather accurate knowledge of the Way. Despite that, it is apparent in what we read about him, that he didn’t know Jesus.
I vaguely remember taking a World Religions class in high school. I can’t remember the details of what was taught, but I suppose it had to do with the basic tenets of the major world religions. Though I gained a knowledge of some basics regarding Christianity, I didn’t know Jesus at the time.
A person can know of Jesus—even secular historians acknowledge his existence—but that doesn’t mean that they “know” Him. A person can know about Jesus, and even about the facts of His death and resurrection, but again that doesn’t mean that they are saved. A person can even gain much and accurate theological knowledge of Jesus or Christianity without knowing Him in a personal way.
A person can even claim the name of Jesus and engage in religious works without being saved, as Jesus once warned: “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’ (Matthew 7:22-23).”
Paul’s message to Felix, the powerful and ruthless governor, was “about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment” (Acts 24:25). Spirit-filled Paul was speaking the Spirit’s language (John 16:8). Paul did not shrink back from being used by the Spirit to convict a wicked man of his wicked ways. Felix was wealthy, powerful, and knowledgeable, but devoid of righteousness. He ruthlessly exercised control over the lives of others but had no control of self. He himself sat as a judge over the affairs of men, but was woefully unprepared for the coming judgment of God. Felix could only listen so long—he had no heart for truth—till, being alarmed, he had to send Paul away (Acts 24:25). There is no reason to believe that he ever trusted in Jesus. But he was given ample opportunity to be set free from sin when his prisoner spoke to him about Jesus.
What about you? It is not enough to know of Jesus or know about Jesus. What matters is knowing Him and, more than that, being known by Him as one of His own (2 Timothy 2:19). The right is bestowed on those who receive Him, to those who believe in His name (John 1:12). There is nothing of greater importance in life than being assured of one’s eternal destiny (2 Thessalonians 1:9-10). Do you know Jesus personally, as your Lord and Savior?
There is nothing of greater importance in life than being assured of one’s eternal destiny!
HAVE YOU ANY ROOM FOR JESUS?
Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinner, will you let Him in?
Refrain:
Room for Jesus, King of Glory!
Hasten now, His Word obey.
Swing the heart’s door widely open;
Bid Him enter while you may.
Room for pleasure, room for business;
But for Christ, the Crucified,
Not a place that He can enter,
In the heart for which He died? [Refrain]
Room and time now give to Jesus;
Soon will pass God’s day of grace –
Soon your heart left cold and silent,
And your Savior’s pleading cease. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 