DECEMBER 28, Acts 24:1-14

The plan to kill Paul was foiled because the chief captain sent him off to Caesarea. God knows best. It was safer for the apostle to be anywhere else but Jerusalem because the Jews hated Paul and his message. In Caesarea, the Roman governor Felix conducted a hearing. The Jewish leaders had engaged one of the best lawyers, Tertullus.

Tertullus said all the nice things about Felix to flatter him but in contrast, he changed his tone when accusing Paul. Paul was described as a virus that spread his wrong teachings everywhere. Paul caused division between Jews and Christians. Paul also had profaned the Temple by letting Gentiles entering it. The assembled Jews took side with Tertullus.

The apostle denied all the charges against him. Seizing the opportunity, he talked about the WAY of salvation which is by the cross. Paul also mentioned that what they call “heresy” was actually the right way to God. He was to point the people to the way to God. We are all sinners and have lost the hope of entering heaven to be with God. Sinners have no hope of heaven but are heading towards hell, the way of eternal death. But if we believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for the punishment of our sins, the way to heaven will be opened to us. The cross is the only way that leads us to heaven.

Have you heard of this song?

The way of the cross leads home,

The way of the cross leads home

It is sweet to know, as I onward go,

The way of the cross leads home.

Will you follow the cross which is the way to the heavenly home?

Thought: Jesus is the only way to Heaven!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of heaven, our future home. Home on earth is not forever, home in heaven is. Help me believe in Jesus and look forward to heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.