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Devotion

Weekly Lift

#124. Facing false accusations

Bruce Stanley

October 17, 2022


False accusations

Acts 24 - I think this is quite a relevant chapter for us today. Let's not forget the story of Andrew Thorburn in recent weeks. I'm sure the media will want to play it down until the whole story disappears, but it is a story we should not forget quickly - when a state leader calls Christian beliefs "absolutely appalling" and "intolerance", we have reason to be concerned and active. Andrew was on trial by media for attending a Christian church that held beliefs that we also, as a Bible-believing Anglican Church, hold at St Phil's and St Mark's on abortion and marriage. This is no small matter when a Christian is told their beliefs are wrong and will not be tolerated. All over our country, Christians and non-Christians alike have rightly been disturbed that religious beliefs can be called out in this way.

Yet, this is nothing new. The question is - "What will I do when it happens to me?"

In Acts 24, Paul is called before the governor. These were the charges:

Acts 24:5-8

5“We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”

Paul explains his actions - calmly and respectfully. And then he challenges the Jewish leadership who have brought him before the governor:

Acts 24:19-21

19But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— 21unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ”

Paul does not back away quietly. He states his case and appeals for justice. And he is imprisoned. Then what? Felix comes with his wife to chat about faith in Jesus. What a great result! You almost expect he'll be converted and all will be over soon! But no. It doesn't always go that way. Felix was fearful of what he had heard.

Acts 24:25-26

25As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

It is extraordinary how some leaders behave. And it is often extraordinary to see and hear their motives. Felix was afraid of the gospel but he also wanted a bribe. So he left Paul in prison. For 2 years:

Acts 24:27

27When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

Why? to give favour to a particular group of society - at the cost of justice and freedom for Paul.

Yet there is Paul, accepting his place. Why? Because he trusted God. He saw the big picture. He knew that God would be able to use him wherever he was. What did it matter if he was walking the streets or sitting in prison? We should be prepared for losing freedoms. This is not to say that we shouldn't speak up for justice and fairness in our society. We should promote religious freedoms and oppose the "cancel culture" that we live in. But sometimes, we may lose anyway. So what? Sometimes we may lose our job, our career, or a friend. But that is not a reason to lose hope. God's plans are greater than ours and as we read on in the following chapters, we will see that more is unfolding in God's plans for Paul and for the gospel!

Do not expect "justice always" in this world. Advocate for it, but do not expect it. But do remember that God has greater plans than humans. We CAN expect that his plans will always prevail.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in a world that often fails in acts of justice, we pray particularly for those treated unfairly in any walk of life. As Christians, help us to continue to stand up for those unable to defend themselves from unequal treatment. But also help us not to lose hope when we encounter struggles in our world because of our faith in you and what we believe. Help us to trust your bigger plans and your sovereignty over all things.

Amen.

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    St Philip's Eastwood Anglican Church

    Cnr. Shaftsbury Rd & Clanalpine St, Eastwood NSW 2122

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