²⁷King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."  ²⁸Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"   ²⁹Paul 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." (Acts 26:27-29)

 Another chapter goes by and we continue to watch Paul’s ongoing defence of his faith before King Agrippa. Paul’s eloquence is very persuasive and yet he still continues to find opposition to the gospel truth. Just prior to these verses we find Festus shouting ‘Paul you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy.' This didn’t deter Paul from pleading with King Agrippa to accept the truth of God’s Word.

Last night as we sung our final song together (Whatever the Cost), my mind went to the Apostle Paul standing before Felix, Festus, King Agrippa and all those gathered giving a string defence of his faith.  He suffered relentless persecution and yet he still spoke convincingly of his love for Christ. His love for Christ was such that he wasn’t prepared to walk away for the sake of some momentary comfort. His dedication would eventually cost him his life.

There are a couple of application points for me as I continue to reflect on this today. Firstly, I shouldn’t consider it strange when people continue to deny and oppose God’s truth for their lives, particularly if they feel that the cost is too great to bear. These folk will stop at nothing (eg. Festus) to ensure they don’t need to make that decision in their own lives. Secondly, have I considered the cost of following Jesus? It might not cost me my life but a decision to follow Jesus wherever he leads will cost me in other ways.