READING:
One-year plan: Job 33-36, Acts 26
Two-year plan: Judges 11, Luke 12:22-40
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I love reading Paul’s testimony as we see it in today’s New Testament reading—primarily because of the dramatic contrast Paul portrays. Look first at his words about his pre-conversion self: “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, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I was in agreement against them. In all the synagogues I often punished them and tried to make them blaspheme. Since I was terribly enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities” (Acts 26:9-11). Paul was so angry at believers that he chased them down in foreign cities to persecute them—and that’s really angry.
But, don’t miss this next description from Paul: “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 persecutor had become the preacher, the Christian-killer now the Christian supporter. Everything had changed for Paul.
What was the difference? It’s the same difference that takes place in our own lives: Jesus interrupts us, calls us to Himself, and makes us His children. Amen.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How did God first catch your attention?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I praise You for Your interrupting love.”
MONDAY’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Job 37-39, Acts 27
Two-year plan: Judges 12-13, Luke 12:41-53
