“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25).
Paul spoke to Felix concerning “the faith in Christ” (Acts 24:24). That faith struck at the heart of the ungodly life of Felix. He had taken Drusilla to be his wife who was formerly the wife of Gaius Julius Azizus (The writings of Josephus “Jewish Antiquities”, xx, 7.1). Felix was emotionally moved by the truths taught but was not committed to apply what was taught. He leaned upon the excuse of looking for a “convenient season” to hear more. There is no indication that Felix ever did anything more than what is recorded in Acts 24.
Some people today often look for convenience when it comes to following Jesus. If there is some great price to be paid, excuses of all kind are made. Look at the prices that Jesus has paid for mankind and ask the question “Why should it be convenient for us?
- Jesus Left Heaven To Come To Earth For Us. The Holy Spirit makes it clear that Jesus willingly gave up the glories of heaven to come to earth and live as a servant for man’s benefit. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:5-7). It is written again, “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God” (Heb. 10:5-7). Jesus left where the saint is trying to go. Would anyone think it was convenient for Jesus to do such? Why then should it be convenient for us?
- Jesus Lived His Life As A Pattern For Us. The life that Jesus lived was not an easy, convenient life to live. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Again, it is written of Jesus, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Heb. 12:2-3). Jesus had a much tougher life to live than anyone ever had. Nevertheless, he set the standard for all men (cf. 1 Peter 2:21). Life was not convenient for Jesus. Why should it be convenient for us?
- Jesus Laid Down His Life For Us. Giving up one’s life for sinners to be saved is the ultimate inconvenience. Nevertheless, Jesus did just that. Paul often addressed the gracious sacrifice of Jesus (cf. 1 Tim. 1:15; Titus 2:13-14). Paul never lost sight of the great sacrifice of Christ and the need to live unto Him with all his being (cf. Gal. 2:20). The cross was the only way for man to be saved (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18-31). Why should anything be convenient for us in view of this? Jimmy Clark