Date: 02-17-2020

Title: What A Way To Be Known

(S) cripture:
    Acts 24:5 (NASB77) “For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

(O) bservation:
    The High Priest has brought Paul before the Roman rulers for trial. He accuses him of being a troublemaker (without specific evidence). He then accuses Paul of being a “ringleader of the Nazarene sect”. What a compliment to Paul. What the High Priest thought was an accusation was in fact a badge of honor for Paul.

(A) pplication:
    My guess is that you are familiar with the saying, “If you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?” I wonder if I am living my life in a way that would cause people to say, “He is a ringleader of the Jesus sect.” I would hope so and not just because I am a pastor but rather because my life reflects Jesus so clearly that I would be known that way. Today I want my life to reflect Christ in such a way as to cause people to think, “there goes a ringleader of the followers of Jesus.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can reflect you in all I do and say today. Let my life reflect you. Let me be known as a “ringleader” among your followers. Let me live my life for you. Amen