2/4/2010
Acts 9:19b-25 (NRSV)
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." All who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.
After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.
DEVOTION
Ah! The ironies of life!
Today's scripture reading is a wonderful reminder that God is a miracle working God!
The same person who made it his business to persecute The Church, became a follower of The Way and a bold advocate of Jesus Christ!
This transformation is proof positive that when the Holy Spirit gets a-hold of us, we are changed from the inside out!
Saul (Paul) was changed so much that the very same folks he had previously worked for, decided to try to kill him! Now, if that's not a witness to the effectiveness of his testimony, I don't know what is!
I am proud that in his moment of distress, the Christian community rallied around Paul, for it would have been so easy to allow him to "get what he deserved!"
After all, he had persecuted, bound, jailed, and even helped to kill some of them. He had been a "bad man" before he met Jesus.
But, the Christian community made a radical decision. They decided that since God had seen fit to forgive Paul and give him a ministry to do in Jesus Name, they would do the same.
They let him down, out of the city in a basket, thus preserving his life and opening the door to the prolific evangelistic ministry that we still teach about and celebrate today!
I want to give God a "Hallelujah Praise!" for Paul's conversion because it is a grand reminder that we should never, ever give up on anyone.
That same person who fights, cusses, drinks, drugs, thugs, and denies Jesus today, could be the next great missionary of tomorrow.
I am glad that God knows all things and judges all people. If I had that job it would be too much for me to handle! But, since its not my job, I'll leave God to it!
Instead, I'll simply make it my business to love God and love my neighbor as I share the good news that Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life!
I am so glad that Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected on the third day just like he promised! Since God accomplished this awesome miracle, I know that nothing is too hard for God!
I will not give up on anyone! No matter how resistant they may be to the Gospel today, tomorrow is always another day and another opportunity!
Is there someone in your life that you have given up on? Will you renew your love and commitment to that person today?
If so, please pray with me:
Great and Gracious God, thank you that you are a miracle worker! You can do anything but fail! Thank you that on a daily basis you are transforming hearts for your glory! I am sorry for the many times that I have judged others, written them off, or given up on sharing the good news! Please fill me up with your Holy Spirit so that I will persevere in my commitment to read, share, and BE good news every single day. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment