Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
Acts 9:19b-31 (NIV)
Is there someone you know, who is hard to imagine as a follower of Jesus and a minister of the Gospel?
One writer points out that Saul was a hard-lined, fanatical, ultra nationalist, super-orthodox Pharisaic Jew. This is not the kind of person who comes to mind as a candidate for taking the good news about Jesus to the world. But God is in the business of doing the unimaginable.
As we listen to this passage, some of you might relate to Saul, the life from which Jesus called you is a liability in building trust with others. People can’t see how God might transform someone like you really. Others of you might be able to relate to the communities that receive Saul. You might feel skeptical, you might recognize the power and respond like Barnabas, aor you might be like those who just want to get rid of the potential issue.
Whatever the case, today’s passage is the beginning of a dazzling story of restoration, not just IN Saul, but through Saul. If we let it it will call us into a deeper trust in the LORD transformational power.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What struck you about this passage?
2. Saul was feared by Christians, and now he’s despised by Jews. Yet God uses him. And what happens in this brief moment in Acts 9 is just the beginning of a life that the Spirit will use to change the world. Is there anyone in your life who comes to mind, who if Jesus transformed them would really shake things up. Pray for that person now.
3. Saul’s attempt to join the disciples is met with fear. But Barnabas took him… This moment changes everything. Rather than Saul being left alone, with the possibility of being killed, he is brought in because of Barnabas. Is there someone in your life or chapter or church who needs you to step in like Barnabas? Ask the Lord about that now.
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project: Acts 1-12 Overview >>
InterVarsity Press Selections: Acts >>
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