June 28
He Blunted the Edge of Christ's Blade
In the Hour of Silence"With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian." —Acts 26:28 (R.V.).
IT is much to be feared that Agrippa spoke in irony and scorn.
His knowledge stood in his way. He knew the prophets, the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the religion of the Jews. He fancied that nothing more was required of him. How pitiful it will be if my intellectual knowledge should become a hindrance to my lowly and clinging faith! May my head never oppose and ruin my heart, nor the light that is in me be the fountain of present and perpetual darkness.
His pride held him back. The sect of the Christians was held in contempt and everywhere spoken against. Not many wise, and not many mighty, and not many noble were called. Agrippa, poor little kinglet though he was, did not care to be the companion of fishermen and peasants and slaves. Ah, may no lofty thoughts, no foolish and fatal sense of my own importance, prevent me from allying myself with the lowly and lofty people of God.
His resentment rose up and said "No!" He was angry that Paul should make that personal appeal to him, there in the presence of the crowded and brilliant court. And what if some silly displeasure of mine at the manner of Christ's approach, at the importunities of those men and women with whom is the secret of the Lord, lead me to despise and spoil my day of grace?
Agrippa is not the only one who has lost and thrown away the moment of his merciful visitation. Let me watch and pray.