Become as Crazy as Me

Acts 26

19 “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. 20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do. 21 Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. 22 But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen—23 that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, and in this way announce God’s light to Jews and Gentiles alike.”

24 Suddenly, Festus shouted, “Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!”

25 But Paul replied, “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth. 26 And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do—”

28 Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”

29 Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”

A couple of things that jump out at me today. First of all, the craziness of the message of the the Gospel of Christ. It is crazy to think that God loves people so much that He would send His Only Son to die in their place, to raise from the dead and to return some day to collect those who love and follow Him. Yet, that is EXACTLY the plan of a Great and Loving God. Secondly, the Gospel, as crazy as it sounds to mankind, is not always easily accepted by those who hear it. We cannot expect that everyone is going to instantly embrace the grace freely extended to them. Whether they embrace it or not, it is our responsibility to introduce people to this Grace. Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that everyone with whom I have contact might someday because the same as I am...a 100% sold out follower of Christ.