From the UCC Network - Devotional 10/11 "I’m One of Them Today"

I’m One of Them Today

Excerpt from Acts 26:24-29

“Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?’ Paul replied, ‘Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am—except for these chains.’"

Reflection by Ron Buford

I remember the Rev. Harold Mars, an 80-something Native American Christian pastor, and a Rhode Island tribal chief. Though I was only 17 at the time, I still remember the change in his kind, grandfatherly voice as, with his 6’ 2” strong regal bearing, he stood unbent though a bit stooped, and with furrowed brow, sternly asked our congregation a question that still haunts me . . . .

“If Christianity became illegal, could your daily living get you convicted?”

The apostle Paul stood fearlessly in chains before Roman authorities, Festus, and King Agrippa, telling his fantastical tale of a God bursting into his life unexpectedly one day, miraculously calling him to tell everyone the story of a God raising someone named Jesus from the dead. Declaring this to be Good News about human deliverance from unrelenting circumstances and oppression for ALL people bound by ALL sorts of chains – even his own.  And even though he once persecuted and killed people who declared such ridiculous things, he was now passionately one of them.

As if they couldn’t tell!

The young King Agrippa mocks Paul’s unbridled commitment and enthusiasm, sarcastically saying, “I’m almost persuaded.” I imagine the entire court laughing as Agrippa passes Paul along to Rome for Caesar to judge. History remembers Paul in chains but barely remembers the powerful, almost persuaded Agrippa.

Here’s a link to a somewhat humorous, but moving, vintage recording of the late Rev. James Cleveland singing, I’m One of Them Today. 

Prayer

Gracious God, I want to be a Christian in my heart, a follower of Jesus. Show me what I must do. Please help me accept the costs and the joys of authentically following Jesus and the great forebears of our faith. Amen

About the Author Ron Buford, former coordinator of the UCC’s God is still speaking campaign, currently serves as Director of Development for the Northern California Nevada Conference. A consultant, group leader and speaker, he appears in Living the Questions: Resourcing Progressive Christians.http://www.youtube.com/user/Rowoches#p/u/7/1j7OeKMNQXU