June 08, 1999, Tuesday

Will most intelligent people listen to the facts and the

truth about a matter? Is it important to most people that

justice be done? If justice is thwarted, can a righteous

purpose still be accomplished?

Luke tells us that Paul reasoned with Felix, the Roman

Governor of Judea, about self-control, righteousness,

and the judgment to come. Felix became frightened and

rightfully so, however his indecision to make a choice

for righteous living motivated him to send Paul away-

"Go away for the present, and when I find time, I will

summon you" (Acts 24:25). The Holy Spirit was speaking

through Paul to motivate Felix to listen to logic and

reason about his eternal future. It is sad that a time

never came for Felix to reconsider his eternal future.

Solomon was a wise king and ruler, but also a preacher

of righteousness. He realized that at the thrones of

princes and at the tribunals of magistrates, justice

does not always prevail, for often wickedness prevails-

"Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the

place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place

of righteousness there is wickedness" (Ecc 3:16). In

the case of Paul before Felix, Paul was left in chains

even though he had done no wrong. Many scholars think

that Felix was expecting a bribe from Paul to be freed.

Regardless of the reasons that Paul was not freed, the

Roman Governor kept his mistress and Paul his chains.

Paul expressed hope to the Philippians that even though he

was experiencing a setback because justice was not done in

his case, other Believers were courageous in their faith--

"Most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident

by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without

fear" (Philippians 1:14). The cause of the Gospel grew and

progressed while Paul was in prison. Paul trusted that God

could continue to make him a new creature daily, regardless

of where he was!

Let us remember Who has the holier and righteous way.

Let us remember who is the Creator of the universe. God's

Name is Jehová Hoseem. He is the God who is the Creator

of our faith and reason. He is the Creator of our growth

and progress in Him. He is the Creator of the New Creature

spiritually. Trust Him and Praise Him Today for all the

"new" that has come and the "old" that has passed away. He

is determined to bring us joy as we progress in Him.