“And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: ‘Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.”
Acts 24:2-3 (NKJV)
Tertullus begins his accusation against Paul by flattering Felix. He thanks him for the peace and prosperity Israel is enjoying under his leadership. But the Holy Spirit showed me something in that statement. These leaders were revealing what they truly valued. Their guide, their lord, their goal, was peace and prosperity. They were grateful for comfort, but they were giving credit to man for what only God can give.
That is a dangerous place for a man’s heart to live. These were spiritual leaders in Israel, yet they were praising a man who did not follow Yahweh for the peace they wanted to protect. They did not desire God more. They did not want to live closer to Him. If they had, they would have received Jesus. Instead, they saw Jesus and His followers as a disruption to the life they were trying to preserve.
God sent Jesus to give us spiritual peace, not just earthly peace. He sent us a Savior King, not an earthly king. But when our faith is in religion, systems, leaders, comfort, or the peace and prosperity man can provide us, we will resist anything that threatens it. That is why they hated Paul. He was disrupting the false peace their way of life had built.
So today, I have to ask myself: am I seeking the God who brings heavenly peace and spiritual prosperity, or am I chasing earthly peace as my Lord? Am I bringing a sacrifice of praise to God, or to man? Following Jesus will change us. Sometimes peacemakers have to disrupt the fabricated peace so we can do things God’s way and fully experience His presence. If anything is being worshiped, sought, or praised above the God of heaven and earth, may we repent and embrace the change that Jesus brings.