S: Acts 24:24-27 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.
O: Felix actually felt convicted at Paul's preaching. However, instead of responding to that conviction with repentance, he sent Paul away. But he kept calling him back because the message was so compelling, and also because he had hoped Paul would bribe him to set him free.
A: Even when government officials are corrupt, God still can work things out for good (even though Paul himself ignored the Holy Spirit's warning not to go to Jerusalem earlier.) Eventually Paul did manage to get to Rome and preach the Gospel there.
Here in Malaysia as well as in many other places, we are frequently faced with corrupt people in positions of power. While we should do what we can to change that, even if we are unable to change them, nonetheless, we can and should still follow God ourselves.
Do not despair! Ultimately God's truth prevails.
P: Father, when we feel discouraged, remind us that You are ultimately in charge.
Note: this is using the SOAP method. For more information, see this page (not written by me.)
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