Felix's Fear

There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.  So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man … As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid … ~ Acts 24:15-16, 25 NIV

    Felix was a cruel Roman governor of Judea, appointed by Emperor Claudius. He was even described as a wicked and heartless ruler by his peers. When the Apostle Paul spoke to Felix it was as though the voice of God echoed through the room. Felix heard clearly that the ignorant, unsophisticated religious fanatics down in fly-over country may have been right after all. At that moment Felix realized the transient nature of his authority and the brevity of his life. It occurred to him that he too will die one day and be resurrected to face his maker. It shook him to the core as well it should anyone who grasps that sobering truth. 

            Felix probably took little notice of the sanctimonious religious leaders and their foolish followers since their cause was always clouded by their internal strife. His job was to keep the Roman version of peace and to assure that Ceasar received regular tribute. Therefore, fighting among religious factions over petty differences in doctrine and theology weakened their values and message before the secular rulers. How could those people know what God was really like and how God would judge anyone? Their religion said more about them than their God. Then, Paul spoke like no other. His words resonated with truth in that they represented something even Felix’s local religious adversaries would fear if they had any sense.              A career politician’s mind will not change without the help of the Holy Spirit. Politicians become exceedingly egocentric over time because there are always persons who want something from them or seek to take something away from them. Many public servants start with lofty ideals and honorable objectives, but as he/she climbs higher into the ranks of government, he/she becomes part of a secular establishment that will devour them unless they learn to play the “game of thrones.” Therefore, when constituents attempt to influence them, all is lost unless it furthers the politician’s ambitions and feeds his/her ego.              It turns out that, despite his cruelty and political savvy, Felix feared a resurrection to God’s judgment. On this day of heightened awareness of all the division and chaos in our land, let us pray that we each feel the weight of Paul’s words and fear the LORD’s judgment. Then, after repenting and seeking God through Christ, let us pray for political leaders, government workers, and party devotees who are celebrating and grieving today. Let us pray that they too will know the fear of their resurrection from death to face God’s judgment. Let us pray that they realize the transience of their power and influence and the brevity of their lives.