Sweet and Sour Preachers

Friday 2-27-15 (Home) 

Scripture reading:    Num 21-23     Mark 6-7

S.  Mark 6:20  Herod was disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.  NLT

Acts 24:24-26  Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus.  As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified. "Go away for now," he replied. "When it is more convenient, I'll call for you again." He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.  NLT

O.  King Herod had John the Baptist locked up in a prison, perhaps a dungeon under his own palace, since John had been arrested for criticizing Herod’s immoral life.  But here is the oxymoron.  In spite of John the Baptist’s directly pointing out his sinful life, Herod enjoyed listening to John speak.  So apparently John was occasionally called up out of his nasty prison cell to talk with the king.  And knowing John, he didn’t mince words.  Without doubt he offered Herod the option of repentance and cleaning up his act.  So this was a “sweet and sour” situation.  He both liked to hear John and at the same time John’s message made him miserable.  

Jump ahead 15 years or more and now the Apostle Paul is in prison in Caesarea.  And Governor Felix wants to hear Paul speak.  He sends for him often.  Paul, like John the Baptist, doesn’t mince words.  He goes to the heart of the matter.  Felix is terrified by his message and sends Paul back to his cell, but still calls for him to come up out of his dungeon once in a while because he is drawn to his message (oh yes, and is hoping for a bribe, too).

A.  The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is both “sweet and sour”.  People love to hear it and yet are troubled by it.  We call it Gospel, meaning “good news.”  But the “good news” can only be understood when we hear the “bad news.”  Both these men in places of political power trembled at their sins being openly revealed, but at the same time they knew that their ears were hearing truth… something that was totally missing in their political circles.  They were used to hearing flattering words.  Their friends patted them on the back and threw parties for them.  But what is this?  Every now and again their heart would get hungry for a little dosage of “truth” and they would call up their prisoner and listen until Holy Spirit conviction started to disturb their soul.  Then it was, “Soldier, take this guy back to the dungeon until a more convenient time.” 

Why did people so love to hear Evangelist Billy Graham?  He was a “sweet and sour preacher.” That’s why!  We still both love and hate to hear the truth.

How do I respond to Holy Spirit conviction?  Do I send Him away waiting for a better time?  Or do I humble myself, admit my sin and find cleansing and healing at Jesus’ feet?  

P.  Lord, may I always be sensitive to Your wonderful Holy Spirit!  Give me a heart so humble and sensitive to You, that the slightest twinge of Your Holy Spirit conviction drives me to my knees for a fresh cleansing and Your promised victory.  May I never, ever send You away for a more convenient time!  Amen.