Acts 26:29 Paul replied, “Short time or long–I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Since yesterday I’ve known I would be writing on this verse. I almost read the whole chapter in anticipation, but I restrained myself. This is such a magnificent statement! Paul is talking to a king here, and is totally unintimidated, despite the fact that he is a chained prisoner. The level of courage, of boldness, is off the charts, and it is abso­lutely typical of Paul. His personality certainly had a lot to do with it, but I think that his going to heaven from being stoned and then being sent back (Acts 14:19-20, 2 Corinthians 12:2-5) had perhaps even more to do with it. Paul knew that he was a representative of Christ Jesus, (2 Corinthians 5:20) and as such had more real power and authority than any earthly king. The thing is, that is true of every genuine believer. We are never to let that puff us up, but we should also never back down. We didn’t earn that status, but God granted it to us in His love and grace, and as John said, His perfect love casts out all fear. (1 John 4:18) To the degree we take our eyes off of ourselves and our circumstances and fix them on Jesus, (Hebrews 12:2) we will be filled with His supernatural peace and assurance, and nothing will shake us.

Excitement has risen in me even as I have written this. I have tasted this boldness, and I want to walk in it continuously. I know that requires humility and holiness, which I will be speaking on this morning, but I have been convinced for many years that when God’s children wake up to whom they are in Christ, the world will be transformed faster than we would believe. We must not forget that all of this doesn’t insulate us from trials and suffering, as Paul’s own life demonstrated, and Jesus Himself stated, (John 16:33) but God wants us all to walk in the assurance of the ultimate outcome, which will be glorious beyond words. We are not to let this assurance make us rude or obnoxious, but we are never to hesitate to speak the truth in love. (1 Peter 3:15-16, Ephesians 4:15)

Father, thank You for this strong reminder. There’s a lot on the schedule today. Help me live out Your truth every moment so that everyone may be touched by Your Spirit, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!