Acts 9 is a chapter of grace, God's grace that extends mercy to a murderer, the persecutor is transformed by God into the chief proclaimer of the gospel. Perhaps he can tell God's grace so well because he has drunk of it so deeply?
I outlined chapter 9 this way:
- Grace reaches the least likely people, 9:1-9
- Grace gives us courage in our fear, 9:10-19
- Grace transforms us, 9:20-25
- Grace to one person changes the church, 9:26-31
Somewhere between those last two points, I'm reminded how the conversion of Saul of Tarsus and his transformation into Paul the Apostle is considered by historians to be one of the greatest historical proofs of the reality of Christianity, second only to the resurrection of Christ. When one compares the depth of commitment, both before and after, and the distance between the two points of view held by Saul and by Paul (although he likely always had both names), there is no other rational explanation except that Paul genuinely knew to be true all that he so faithfully proclaimed to others.
Think on it, the best testimony of the risen Christ who forgives sin and gives new life is that new life lived out in the one who believes in Him. That is not just for Paul, you and I have that same opportunity. I so want God to do a great work through me, maybe I don't pay enough attention to the greatness of the work God would do in me.
1 comment:
Ah.... this is what I wrestle with... the transformation. So wanting for people to see Christ not me, yet I get caught in looking at myself rather than Christ, and I see how miserably I fail. And then He kindly (and grace-fully) reminds me again, "My child, look to Me.... Look to Me" Ah.... again.... yes, Lord. "Fixing my eyes on JESUS", not on myself.
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