Acts Chapter 26
“Almost persuaded” is the title of Hymn 178 in our English Hymn book. And in my memory, this is not a commonly sung hymn.
But this hymn came to mind when I read of King Agrippa said to Paul, ““You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:28).
“Almost”.
This is one word that most people would not like to use or hear, isn’t it?
“I almost caught the bus but I didn’t. That is why I am late”
“I almost finished my project”. But the sad fact is that the project still remains uncompleted.
“I almost won the race”. The facts still remain you did not win.
Some of the “almost” has no lasting consequences. You miss the bus but you can take the next one. You did not finish your project, you can still hand it in late. You may not have won the race his time. Perhaps you can still do so the next time.
But there are some “almost” that can have lasting consequences.
In Agrippa’s case. he was one who knew about the law and the prophets. And now he has heard a powerful testimony from Paul about how he was converted. Instead of reflecting upon his beliefs and considering what Paul said, he stopped Paul for fear he will also become a Christian.
The hymn writer was inspired by this incident and a sermon he heard where the speaker said “”He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved is to be entirely lost.”
The word “almost” carries a lot of regrets.
Consider the rich young ruler who came to Jesus. He proudly told Jesus that he had obeyed the commandments since young and wanted to know what he must do to obtain eternal life. When told to sell his treasures and follow Jesus – he went away sorrowfully for he had great possessions that he was not willing to give up.
He almost became a follower and disciple of Jesus. He almost ….
Are there things in our life today that makes us almost a true believer and follower of Jesus? Are we skirting along the lines of true faith and selfish desires?
Am I an almost Christian?
Let’s consider that today as we hear this seldom sung hymn 🙂
