PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 26:9-15
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“‘Who are you, Lord?’ “ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.” (Acts 26:15)
Just because we cannot see Jesus, doesn’t mean he isn’t there.
Paul is doing everything to stop Jesus followers, but he’s really fighting Jesus.
Jesus is leading his kingdom mission from heaven, through his followers.
But this does not mean he is on the sidelines, just watching.
Paul had a dramatic, life-changing encounter with the invisible Lord Jesus.
Jesus chose to intervene at this time, in this way, for his purpose.
He is still doing this today, working in the lives of his followers and enemies.
No person goes through life without experiencing the presence or power of Jesus.
Sometimes dramatic, often subtle but still real, the Spirit of Jesus presses.
As Jesus followers we should not pray against our enemies, but for them.
To pray for their conversion, to pray for their eyes to be opened.
To pray for them to be mercifully saved and transformed, like Paul was.
We should be seeking this kind of transformation – for ourselves and others.
It’s what we all need, and what Jesus is working from heaven to accomplish.
PRAYER
Lord, we all need this kind of encounter. Please make yourself even more real to me, but also to those I know who resist or refuse to believe and follow you. Have mercy on us all!
I remember when my brothers and I were regularly harassed by a gang of neighbourhood bullies. We wondered what is it that makes them want to do that?” We never bothered them but they chose to bother us – is it a ‘power’ trip for them to abuse us. Paul says, “I was so obsessed with persecuting them” – why – were the new believers of the way a threat to them? Were they a threat? Are we a threat as followers of Jesus – if we follow Jesus’ way of peace and love for and concern for our fellow man? Do we have a superiority attitude for our fellow citizens who have made a mess of their lives? Sure we might not harass them, and maybe we might have compassion for them – but do we pray for them and respect them as fellow image bearers of God? Should we not consider how we might bless them?
What I once thought seems so foolish now! In so many ways – career, relationships, passions, I was just a frog in the well. Lord thank you for knowing and writing the path I’m on, no matter which decision or direction I take. Thank you for bringing me back when I stray and for using even my mistakes for your good.