April 28 - The Church Grew

Acts 8:1-8

As we continue to deal with the corona virus I thought about how God often uses unlikely people and events to move his kingdom forward. In today’s reading we are introduced to Saul. Saul makes his debut at the stoning of Stephen, the first documented Christian martyr. Later in the reading we learn that “Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women (believers) and put them in prison.”

But what was the result of Saul’s efforts? “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” The church grew! Later in Acts we learn how Saul has an experience with the risen Christ, becomes perhaps the greatest evangelist of all time, and is used by God to write almost half of the New Testament. Not exactly how we would have expected God to work!

Another example of God using an unlikely person and events for his purposes is John Newton. Born in 1725 Newton was forced to serve in the Royal Navy at a young age. Later, through some unique circumstances, he became a slave to a black princess of the Sherbro people (West Africa). He was rescued and went on to work in the slave trade, serving as the captain of a slave ship on three different voyages. Unlike Paul, Newton’s conversion to Christianity seemed to take place over time. Ultimately he became an Anglican priest and a staunch abolitionist. We best remember Mr. Newton for some verses that he authored to support his sermon on New Year’s Day, 1773 -- “Amazing Grace”. Not exactly how we would have expected God to work!

We now find ourselves in uncharted waters with the corona virus pandemic. I certainly do not want to speculate as to God’s role in this situation, other than to be sure that he is aware of our needs and is answering prayer in the midst of this trial. I do wonder if at some point we will be able to see how God used this difficult time to further his kingdom – just like he has done time and again with people and events in the past.

Dear God, please help us to remain faithful in the midst of this current trial. Help us to keep our focus on the “finish line” of our walk of faith – eternal life with you. And, help us to be witnesses to those around us, being part of your kingdom in the midst of unlikely circumstances. Amen.