Jesus is the Lord of all

When Paul appeared in court, he heard strange charges being held against him : "This man is a political zealot. He is a troublemaker who raises the Jewish population all over the world. And it is a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes who raises crowds against Rome. He is guilty of sedition !"

It was a trap prepared by his opponents, yet Paul saw in it a still greater trap: Satan himself tried to turn him away from the central message of Jesus.

As a gifted speaker, Paul could easily have challenged his opponents. But he refused to get entangled in their political struggle. He made this choice for the good of the gospel he preached.

Finally, Paul was led before King Agrippa to defend himself. But in the royal court, Paul chose to preach Christ. At the risk of his life, he boldly told Agrippa his incredible story : "King, I have heard the voice of the Lord ! He drove me from his horse and told me His name. He told me that He was Jesus" (see Acts 26: 13-14).

The king was moved by the message of Paul. He refused to judge the apostle, choosing instead to send him to Rome to appear before the court of Caesar. During the night before Paul's transfer, the Lord appeared before him and said : "Take courage ; For as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, thou must also bear witness in Rome" (Acts 23:11).

It was the only encouragement Paul needed. When he appeared before the highest political body of the time, Paul could still stick to his message : "Jesus is the Lord of all !"

It is in this way that we become a witness of hope in this world that has none. When someone asks us the question, we can answer with confidence and faith : "Jesus is my hope and my peace. I do not need this world, I only need Him."

David Wilkerson