PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 21:37-22:5
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death.” (Acts 22:4)
Paul was a fanatic and a terrorist, killing people in the name of God.
There were families of his victims who lived with the consequences.
No doubt people then struggled with anger and unforgiveness too.
What I still wonder about is what this meant for the believers who suffered under him.
Imagine a known terrorist – an ISIS soldier – converting and joining your church.
Known for killing christians you knew, he has a Jesus encounter and changes.
How easily would we welcome him in your church – would you trust him?
And imagine how other ISIS supporters would feel, and would respond?
This is not an exact parallel, but it does make me think about grace.
“I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16)
Paul is an example that even terrorists and murderers can be forgiven and restored.
The challenge for us as Jesus followers is to extend the same grace.
Try to imagine other examples of ‘worst of sinners’ being welcomed into your church.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to look deep into my own feelings about sinners, both before and after they convert. Help me to see that they need grace too, just like Paul… just like me.
“they heard him speak to them in Aramaic…I am a Jew….brought up in this city… I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.” Paul’s introduction of himself – quieted the crowd – and they listened. I remember, when I learned to speak the language, rural people took notice and wanted to listen to this foreigner. Speaking the language and trying to meet people where their understanding is at – is the key to having a chance to communicate and have dialogue with people. Jesus did it well – think of the Samaritan woman at the well and the people of Sykar. Yet, Satan will often turn words against us and use some to accuse us of sinister objectives. Lord help me to be genuinely honest and loving of all the people I try to reach – may there be no falsehood or hypocrisy. Help me to communicate the love you have for all people and your desire that all might be saved!
Paul testified about his former life and then coming to the Lord. God opened his eyes. Remember the thief on the cross? He was accepted by the Lord. All who come to Him are His and His children need to accept them as they are just as the Lord accepted me as I am and was but have become a new creation by His Spirit working in me.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe,
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?