Memorize: Introducing Saul to gospel
Key Verses: 1-2, 3, 5, 16, 27, 33, 40
Do you ever think that some people will never change, that they will always be so hurtful and perhaps even evil? I am sure Saul’s enemies might have thought that way about him. He got a thirst for blood and he was not satisfied with one death. He wanted more. He wanted to spread his terror, and the religious leaders were all to happy to have him as their front man. He would do the dirty work.
But God…. Those are some powerful words. But God intervened and everything changed. Jesus shows up and Saul’s stubbornness gets transformed into tenacity. Instead of dishing out suffering, Saul is going to become the object of some suffering. But he is also going to become one of the greatest figures in Church history.
But every great person needs friends, and Saul has Barnabas. Barnabas is willing to put his neck on the line for Saul. For whom are you willing to put your neck on the line? Who is willing to put their neck on the line for you? Barnabas pulls Saul into the inner circle of believers in Jerusalem. He gets fully accepted by those whom he once sought to kill. Enemies become friends, more than friends, family.
And the Lord continues to spread the message. Peter reaches Aeneas and Dorcas with a healing touch. Aeneas’ legs are healed and Dorcas is raised from the dead. Nothing can stop the forward movement of the Gospel. Even today the Gospel spreads behind human walls and political barriers. People risk their lives today to bring the Gospel to people who would otherwise have no contact with any Believers. Some are killed for their acts. But even as some are killed, some repent and are saved. Our life is not our own.
Even as Saul’s life shifted in a moment and was willing to lay it all on the line for his Lord, so we too have this same choice. Are we willing to lay it on the line? The Lord may not give us the grace of Martyrdom, but He still calls us to die, die to selfishness and pride. In what ways are you dying for Jesus?
REVIEW: Run JOHN THE GOSPEL OF BELIEF.
The Arnold Journey 