It is said most people's worst fear is public speaking. Many find it disconcerting to get up in front of a group of people and deliver a talk. But scripture tells us “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15). This requires some public speaking, sharing of our testimony.
The story in today's reading is a powerful teaching about God using us even when we are at our worst, for His glory. Saul was imprisoning or killing every Christian he could find. His goal in life was to halt the spread of the Way; to stop followers of Jesus from talking about His life and His death. It was this persecution by Saul that actually enabled the Word to spread even faster.
Christians scattered to other parts of the world and they told their story, they told Jesus' story. Christianity spread world-wide. Now, in the Scripture today, Jesus wants to use Saul even more boldly. Jesus is claiming him by saying to Ananias "This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (Acts 9:15)
Jesus wanted to use Paul (Saul's new name) and his past to help us recognize there is nothing we can do to make Jesus love us more and there is nothing we can do to make Him love us less. God will use us as ‘His chosen instrument’ too. All we have to do is tell our story of how Jesus made a difference in our lives.
Read the text in Acts 9:1-19.
Read the text in Acts 9:1-19.
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