To stand before kings and queens as a dream come true, could be a dangerous dream in that reality. There would be very little romance in it, generally speaking, I feel. Being on ones' best behavior may not be enough.
Even though the Apostle Paul was told he'd stand before royalty, it was not necessarily something to be desired. Yet Paul could stand his ground fearlessly and respectfully. He even appealed to Caesar! It was his Roman citizenship right. Such appeals appears to have been irrevokable too.
Festus said,
"To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go" (Acts 25:13 ESV).
This was Paul's appeal after a two year hiatus "in the barricks." Maybe he was frustrated and a bit impatient with the system that kept him bound, only due to false accusations and Festus' wanting to keep in the good books of the Jewish leaders.
To some extent, Paul's appeal feels like he was overworking the wise-serpent- innocent dove ace card. Yet the Lord uses our will to complete His will, or to tell Him whether we accept or reject His.
Seems a serious matter. We do well to think and act wisely. Make much prayer and many requests of the Lord, and be still to discern what He wants for us. What course of action do you really want?
In the meantime, Festus toys with Paul. He is in an expansive mood, wishing to show the visiting royalty, King Agrippa and Queen Bernice, a good time.
So you'll see in the next chapter of Acts how that played out.
For us now, if we imagine ourselves in such a position, kneeling before royalty and other men and women of authority, what would our 'speech' be like? What would our defense be?
May we be ready to give answer and to listen for Holy Spirit guidance at such a time as that. May we be fearless and respectful and give God the glory.
So help us, God.
~ ERC March 2026 ~
Based on Acts 25 ESV.
Sing, Before the Throne of God Above, along with Sovereign Grace Music.
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