Thou almost persuaded me

'Thou almost persuaded me to become a Christian ', is the answer Paul received from King Agrippa after he explained to him about the risen Christ. Giving his testimony, Paul's heart longed after Agrippa's soul and those that sat on the courtroom that afternoon . Pin drop silence engulfed the room as Paul explained how as he sought letters to arrest the followers of this new religion, he himself had become not only a convert, but a preacher. Moving was this testimony that Agrippa felt a voice deep within him. He felt for his brow, and all he found were drops of sweat. He felt uneasy. Indeed the conflict within him was great. Rejecting Paul's message meant maintaining  his position as King,the loyalty and the trust of his subjects. What would his friends think of him when they realised he too had subscribed to the new wave that was quickly sweeping the city . What would people think of him if he too believed in death and resurrection of a saviour?No! it couldn't happen now at least not today. His answer is a reflection of self_comfort  and reassurance despite a strong urge and conviction. That same urge we get when we are about to compromise our Christianity for that long awaited job. He glanced at the watch and realised few minutes had elapsed. 'Not in a short time, not in a short time' , he mumbled to Himself. Despite the pleading  voice in him, he uttered the word' Thou almost '. Words of comfort amidst a plain piercing truth. This is the perfect picture of many people and their approach to salvation. To be almost persuaded is to be entirely lost! To let go of the one more chance that is given unto us is to shut the door of it ever coming along. Ignited by the old sweet story of Jesus Paul went on to say, 'Not only you oh King but all in here today, save for these chains'. Paul desired that they may find the rest, love and peace of the compassionate saviour. King Agrippa's soul seem convinced and for a moment found peace away from the fierce enemies both within and without his Kingdom. He was far more convinced Paul was innocent and saw faith and hope in his words. This man, Paul, speaks with authority and  conviction. He stared at the dangling chains on his hands and feet and felt  guilty. He longed to share in his faith, but looking at the vastness and richness surrounding him, his heart yearned for them. The devil, being timely as he always is, took him up on the high place he had taken Jesus years earlier and showed him the wealth he wanted to forego. Sadness filled his heart and the once bright face became dim. He slowly convinced himself he probably needed a second thought, maybe months or a couple of weeks of conferences to validate the authenticity of Paul's testimony. How  I wish he  knew what a precious opportunity he was giving  away. How I wish he understood the undying love of the dying lamb of calvary . How  I wish he had tarried on that court room  a little longer. Maybe then he would reconsider his decision. Yet he, like many today chose the path taken by many, the broad high way to destruction.
May we have the strength to let go of the one more sin we hold for the sake of Christ.