Miracle of Mercy

I Timothy 1:12-17

Paul was a zealous man in all he did. Until he met Christ on the road to Damascus, he fiercely pursued Jesus-followers, persecuting them and blaspheming their God.  “He went around ravaging the church, entering house after house, dragging off men and women, and put them in prison (Acts 8:3).”  When Paul was on his way to Damascus, hoping to carry out further murderous plans, Jesus came and changed his course forever [See Acts 9:1-22 for the dramatic story of Paul’s conversion]. 

Jesus had different plans for Paul – He would use Paul’s zeal for the Father’s holy purposes. “He [Paul] is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel (Acts 9:15).” 

In I Timothy 1:12-17, Paul is reflecting on the miracle of his conversion. Not only did Jesus show mercy toward Paul, who, according to his own definition, was the “worst of sinners,” but also considered Paul a faithful and useful servant.  How Paul must have forever marveled that Jesus would even consider putting him into service after all Paul had done against His name and His people! Paul did however realize that, through his life, Christ would show sinners like us His purpose in coming to our planet. We see the Lord’s patience toward sinners in order to bring them to Himself.  We might say, “If God can do this for (in) someone like Paul, as chief sinner, it shows He can do it for anyone, no matter what they (we) have done.” 

So what have you done that you feel disqualifies you from service?  Even more, what is that “worst” sin you think will keep you from Christ’s saving grace?  Remember Paul’s example…and be assured that you, too can be a miracle of God’s amazing grace and mercy.  You, too, will be put into service for Christ’s kingdom.  You, too, can be a modern-day example of Christ’s patience toward sinners.  You, too, can speak of what He has done in your life – His amazing story in you.  I know He has given me a story; and I ask, Lord, that I may be bold to tell it to other sinners who need to know You will never give up on them – no matter what.

Things are not What They Seem in the Kingdom of Heaven

A favorite movie of mine is Neil Simon’s 1976 film Murder by Death. It stars David Niven, Nancy Walker, Peter Sellers and Truman Capote among others, and is a spoof on “WhoDunIt” murder mysteries.

 Lionel Twain invited all the best detectives in the world (Sam Spade, Charlie Chan, Agatha Christie, et. al.) to his house to solve a murder. The movie ends with one surprise (and funny) twist after another. Things were not what they seemed in the Twain household.

 Today’s reading is Genesis 45:1-28. Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers, and was living in Egypt. He survived the temptation of his master’s wife.  He was humbled when he was thrown in jail. Yet with God’s help he rose to be the most powerful man, aside from Pharaoh, in Egypt.

 Joseph revealed himself to his brothers – to his brothers who turned him over for a life of misery. His brothers were scared upon learning how powerful Joseph had become.

 Yet Joseph showed mercy to his brothers and saved them from the ravages of famine that struck the area.

 Things were not what they seemed in Joseph’s household.

 Joseph’s life had a lot in common with Jesus’ life.

 Jesus humbled himself by becoming a man and living on earth. Like Joseph, Jesus did not succumb to temptation.

 Joseph’s brothers betrayed him. One of Jesus disciples, and in fact all of mankind perhaps, betrayed Jesus.

 Joseph’s brothers thought Joseph would use his position to punish them. Many thought Jesus, the Son of God, would use his powers to re-establish the Jewish Empire and punish those who subjugated Israel.

 Rather, Joseph showed mercy to his brothers and Jesus showed mercy to mankind. Jesus saves us from the ravages of eternal torment in hell.

 After his death, Jesus showed that not only was he the Son of God, but that he indeed was God!

 Jesus gift of eternal life to us is undeserved. There is nothing we need to do to earn it. His grace is contrary to everything we have been taught about life on earth.

 Things are not what they seem in the Kingdom of Heaven!