One of the greatest prizes in the world is the Nobel Peace Prize.
No one can ask to be nominated, and not just anyone can propose a candidate for this prestigious prize. We have to be invited into this select circle by qualified sponsors that fall into one of four general categories:
- Members of international courts or national governments.
- Directors or professors who deal directly with philosophy or peace research.
- Previous winners of the prize.
- Members of the Nobel Committee itself.
Who would turn down such a prize? We can’t request it; we can’t expect it; and when it comes our way, we can’t afford to refuse it.
We would be fools to do so.
In 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. Obama stated publically that he did not feel he deserved the award. Yet, while the Nobel Prize can be declined, Obama made no effort to do so. Rather, he accepted the prize graciously, deferring the accolades to the American people and the aspirations of people in all nations.
Now look to the book of Acts in the New Testament. One of the most qualified sponsors in the history of the church reached out to nominate the king of the land for the highest prize of all, the chance to turn to Jesus and become a Christian.
King Agrippa was the President Obama of his day. He held the power, ruling over Judea and the Jews. Unknown to him, he was about to be offered the greatest prize in the land.
He was approached by Paul, who met all four criteria to be a qualified sponsor. After all, Paul was:
1. a citizen of Rome
2. an apostle in the early church
3. a converted Christian
4. the very one to whom the mysteries of the Christ had been given
In Acts 26:27, we see the question that prefaces Agrippa’s response to Paul.
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
Read the king’s response in Acts 26:28.
“And Agrippa said to Paul, ‘In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?’ ”
Agrippa truly did believe. He is noted as one of the greatest supporters of the Jewish faith. However, the prize, brought by the greatest of the early church’s sponsors, failed to woo him. He rejected the prize that could have been his.
We cannot afford to reject the prize that is offered us. Just as with the Nobel Peace Prize, when it comes our way, all we have to do is reach out our hand and take it. 1 John 1:9 gives us our acceptance speech.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us [of] all unrighteousness.”
Let’s reach out for it today.
There is no greater prize than salvation, and it is free for the taking.
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