We see Paul in the process of being sent to Caesar for trial. There is one significant problem in the mind of Festus, the governor. It seems there is no charge against Paul which is worthy of a trial. Yet this is the situation that Festus has to deal with. He has a prisoner, a Roman citizen, someone who will be put to death by angry Jewish leaders if he is released. Festus' job is to protect Roman citizens. Wouldn't it be nice if there were some sort of criminal charge? Maybe Festus can find a reason to deport Paul or otherwise put him away.
Passages like this always remind me that I should pray for my governmental leaders more. They really don't understand the overall scheme of things in this country much better than anyone else. By and large they don't understand what God's perspective on society and culture is. They are supposed to represent the population as a whole, but we are a very diverse population. What is best? They won't please everyone, that's certain.
Once in a while our government officials will have receptive moments. They are ready to hear ideas that will help them do their job well. Are we ready to talk with them reasonably? Are we ready to do more than complain and criticize? May the Lord give our elected representatives a desire to hear from their constituency. May he also give the rest of us a desire to speak plainly, kindly, in ways that will benefit our nation.
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