Persuading Kings, Changing Hearts

CONSIDER THIS

Ben Franklin knew how to be persuasive. When he wanted to interest Philadelphia about having street lights, he didn’t try to persuade them by only talking about it. He lived it. He hung a beautiful lantern in front of his home. He kept the glass shiny and polished. Every evening, he lit the wick with care. People saw the light from a distance and walked in its light, no longer stumbling in the darkness. Soon the whole town was filled with street lights.

When Paul enters the “courtroom” filled with Roman dignitaries, Jewish leaders, a governor and king, his whole life was on display. But Paul wasn’t there to defend himself. His heart and passion was to persuade these people — from royalty to peasants — to turn to Jesus and believe in Him. He spoke more than words, he lived it.

We can learn from Paul. He starts by finding common ground with those that opposed him. And then he shares his testimony — his focus wasn’t on how bad he was, but on how good Jesus is. He points everyone to the heart of the Christian message: the cross and resurrection of Jesus. He does so with courage and boldness. Paul is confident because he knows when we believe and trust in Jesus, He gives us a place where we belong — we are accepted, loved and have an eternal home with Him, where our ever-loving King embraces us!