“He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.”
Acts 24:26 (NLT)
Felix had become familiar with the way, but familiarity is not the same as following. Paul spoke to him about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, and Felix was terrified. He was close enough to be convicted, but instead of letting conviction draw him toward Jesus, he sent Paul away until a more convenient time.
What stands out to me is that Felix kept calling Paul back, not because he wanted to surrender, but because he hoped Paul would give him something. Felix wanted access to the messenger, but not submission to the message. He wanted what Paul might provide, but not the Savior Paul proclaimed. The depth of his familiarity with God kept increasing, but his heart stayed focused on what he could get.
I wonder how often we do the same thing with Jesus. We want the job, the healing, the insight, the experience, the relationship, or the answer, and we put it before the saving. We want things from God, but we do not always want God Himself. When conviction comes, we can push God away because surrender feels terrifying.
But the invitation today is not to send God away. It is to let Him in. Conviction can be scary, but that moment is also an invitation. We can say, “Go away, God” like Felix and stay the same or we can say, “Come in, God” and watch our world change. When we stop seeking Jesus only for what He can give and start wanting Him for who He is, Jesus changes us from the inside out. God becomes our provider, healer, counselor, advocate, comforter, and strength…but those are the overflow. The true gift is a relationship with God. So, don’t stay familiar. Let Him in.