READING: Job 35-38, Acts 26
I love this contrast:
- “I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. I actually did this in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison” (Acts 26:9-10)
and
- “Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance” (Acts 26:20)
The former verse reflects Paul’s life before he met Christ, and the latter describes his life after meeting Christ. He stood in opposition to Christianity but then became a Christian. He locked up believers but later preached freedom in Christ. He affirmed the death of believers but later began to preach life through Jesus. He who had wanted to destroy Christianity became a missionary extraordinaire – a follower of Christ so committed to Him that he was willing to stand for Jesus even if it cost him his life.
This story is unique to Paul, but the transforming grace of God is available to all. The changes in our lives might be different from those in Paul’s life, but the same God with the same power saved us like He did Paul. How grateful I am for God’s loving me and calling me to Him when I wanted to run the other direction! When He captures us, everything changes.
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for your incredible, life-changing grace.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Remember your conversion, and meditate today on how God has changed you.
TOMORROW’S READING: Job 39-42, Acts 27:1-12