“Responding to the Spirit’s Call"
Acts 26:1-32
For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe. Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” [Acts 26:26-28]
These are some of the most saddening words, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” But they are common even today. How many will stand before Jesus and say, “I almost believed”? It is a sobering thought. King Agrippa will be one of those people.
When you study the Herods in Scripture, you find that they were extremely wicked. The first was Herod the Great who tried to kill the baby Jesus [ref. Matthew 2]. There were Magi from the East seeking “the One born King.” But Herod would have no part in another “King,” so he decreed that all the boys in Bethlehem two years and under be killed.
King Agrippa in Acts 26 was the great grandson of Herod the Great. His father, Agrippa I, was the one who killed the Apostle James [ref. Acts 12:2]. And if you think the Herods were bad, their wives and daughters were worse.
It is interesting, therefore, to note that “King Agrippa” [Herod Agrippa II] was almost persuaded to become a Christian. It testifies to the power of the Gospel. “I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation.” [Romans 1:16]
But with hearing comes responsibility. As the saying goes, “You can lead a horse to the water, but you can’t make him drink.” Drinking is an act of the heart. Herod Agrippa II was a proselyte [a Jewish convert], and according to the rabbis was learned in the Scriptures. And Paul shared those very same Scriptures with him about Messiah and then gave his testimony. Paul led him to the Living Water; but he decided not to drink. King Agrippa came close but now stands eternally separated from God.
If you are here this morning and sense the Lord drawing you, please, pay attention. It is the Spirit calling you to Jesus. Yield and receive. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and be your personal Lord. That is all it takes. Don’t leave this morning being close. Make sure you are in; make sure you are in Christ.
