Continuing with the series on our “Publicly Speaking” God, we come to yet another key area of our Christian faith, where the good Lord has acted publicly.
SALVATION…
Consider these words of imprisoned Apostle Paul, as he stood up and made a bold defense of his faith before King Agriappa (not a Roman) and important Roman officials:
“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen- that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “‘You are out of your mind, Paul!’ He shouted. ‘Your great learning is driving you insane.’
‘I am not insane, most excellent Festus,’ Paul replied. ‘What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.’” (Acts 26:19-26)
Christ’s atoning death on the cross was not a private occurrence. Not by any standard. It was a public event witnessed by many. In and through His public crucifixion, in the spiritual realm He was publicly triumphing over Satan at the cross. Consider this Scripture portion to too:
“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15) (a related essay on the subject can be browsed at the following link http://www.jandsmministries.com/message_sep1_07.asp )
Ever wondered why Baby Jesus did not die in the hands of murderous, insecure King Herod (Matt 2)? Had he died, even then pure, atoning blood would have been shed for mankind albeit in a remote corner. For that matter, the ministering Jesus could have met death pushed from mountain-top (Luke 4:28-30) or stoned in Jerusalem by his opponents (John 8:59-60). Even then, pure, atoning blood would have been shed for mankind albeit hardly warranting public attention. But the public trial before Pontius Pilat and the public execution by crucifixion consequently as per clearly laid out prophecies (PSALM 22/ISAIAH 53), would leave none in any doubt about His atoning death, on which the Salvation of mankind was dependent.
It’s time even agnostics doubted their doubts about the clear Gospel message (I Cor 15:1-3), sounding loud and clear from the Scriptures and taking a leap of faith (Romans 10:8-10). No procrastination please in this crucial matter about your eternal destiny, for the Saviour’s II Coming is imminent.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise Thee for publicly triumphing over Satan on the Cross. Amen.
Suresh Manoharan
(To access the entire “Publicly Speaking” mini-series, please click here.)