“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared… that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” – Acts 26.19+20.
Paul speaks to a king explaining his business in Another’s Kingdom. King Jesus, gave this man the privilege of being His mouth piece.
He does the same to us, and as with Paul, we are to bring the SAME message to princes and paupers.
The message hasn’t changed – repent, turn to God, do deeds in keeping with repentance.
This is always a heavenly vision even if we haven’t had an experience like Paul (Acts 9: Saul/Paul’s conversion).
Jesus seeks us out and invites us to this ambassadorship. Then, we turn to Him (suggesting a turning away from other things – i.e. everything). That is quite a heavenly vision!
Hence the repentance before the turning. If we don’t repent – admit we have been wrong, acted incorrectly and now hand ourselves over to the mercy of a new King – we hold on to other things (i.e. everything) and that, like an anchor, holds us back from doing deeds in keeping with repentance in a world changing Kingdom.
These deeds – heroic, individual changing, nation shaking – comprise lives lived out seeking God first and allowing Him to express His heavenly vision through us daily, even when we don’t feel like it because it is not in our strength but His!
As you speak to the ‘princes’ and ‘paupers’ in your life remember how you once repented, turned to God and perform deeds in keeping with repentance – the deeds this world needs performed which change hearts and minds – through His power at work in you.
- If you do not know about this Kingdom that is looking for ambassadors, pray this prayer audibly and then find a church in your area to baptise and disciple you: “Jesus Christ, I know I have done wrong in thought, word and deed. I repent – leave behind these things (_try to repent of as many as you can remember_) – in order to be a part of Your Kingdom and serve you. I turn to you God and offer my life to serve you wherever and in whatever you choose. Holy Spirit, fill me now and give me boldness. Amen [So be it].”
- If you are a part of this Kingdom: “Father, thank you for the heavenly vision that you have presented to me and invited me to be a part of. Holy Spirit, help me to do the deeds you have called me to, deeds in keeping with my repentance. I am sorry for when I have been disobedient in the past, or have let other things dissuade me from being Your ambassador. Help me to be bold and change the world in your power and strength. For Jesus’ name’s sake. Amen.”