Answer for Yourself

Daily Devotional: Day 41

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself” (Acts 26:1, KJV).

It’s a privilege to be asked to defend your faith in Jesus. Yes, it is! When you get an opportunity to answer for your faith, it’s an honor for which you should be extremely grateful. Think about it: you get to speak for the Son of God and Savior of the world. Here on earth, there’s no greater honor. In our world today, there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to publicly answer for your faith in Jesus. When friends, relatives, or co-workers ask you questions about your faith, don’t get upset, and don’t panic. They’ve presented you with a golden opportunity. Confident, yet humble, embrace the moment, and go for it! Heaven is watching. Don’t be ashamed of Christ and his Gospel. Defend your Master and Savior. Tell people why you believe what you believe, and why you’re stuck with Jesus. It’s too late to be silent or indifferent. The day you got born again, the battle line was drawn. Therefore, like it or not, you’re on the battle field. It’s a battle for the truth of God and his Christ. Take your place and answer for yourself. Don’t back down.

Today’s passage recalls a moment in Paul’s life when he was held a prisoner in Caesarea. One day, he had to answer to the charges brought against him. He stood before King Agrippa, Bernice, Festus, the Roman Governor, and prominent Jews. King Agrippa said to Paul, “Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.” Then, Paul, standing before a King, a Governor and prominent people from among the Jews, he begun to answer for himself. For Paul, this was a chance to tell all the people about the Good News of Jesus Christ. Everyone’s situation is different, but everyone has someone to whom we can witness about Jesus. Your audience may be someone at the mall, a relative, a friend, social media friends, a co-worker, your spouse, or your classmate. Don’t avoid conversations about Jesus; welcome them. And when you do, present a convincing defense of the Gospel, and explain why people should care about Jesus. Go for it.

Pray:

Daddy, I thank you for saving me through your Son. By your grace, I confess that I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is your power unto salvation. Fill me with boldness and wisdom from your Holy Spirit. And enable me to make the most of every opportunity to defend the Word of your Grace. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

For further study: Acts 26:1-29