Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Psalms 4 -6; Acts 9:22 -43
Making a transition – Acts 9:22-30
22 But Saul grew stronger and stronger. He confused the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
23 After this had gone on for some time, the Jews hatched a plot to kill Saul.24 However, he found out about their scheme. They were keeping watch at the city gates around the clock so they could assassinate him. 25 But his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall.
26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn’t believe he was really a disciple. 27 Then Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles and told them the story about how Saul saw the Lord on the way and that the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them about the confidence with which Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus.28 After this, Saul moved freely among the disciples in Jerusalem and was speaking with confidence in the name of the Lord. 29 He got into debates with the Greek-speaking Jews as well, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the family of believers learned about this, they escorted him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
When Saul changed, he made an 180 that made everyone confused. The Jewish leaders were confused and even the disciples were confused.
Going through the transition of a new life was so hard, it almost led Saul to death.
However, he had a group of followers who supported him, and Barnabas who walked with him and became his advocate.
Imagine if there was a new beleiver in Christiniaty, who came to our church. And yes, I am praying for that to happen.
It requries a community of faith to go beyond to nurture that person in Christ.
Walk through the time, that person not only makes a change of heart, but also a change of his or her entire being.
For Paul it took 3 years in Tarsus. It might take longer for us.
The real question is, ‘am I commited to be a Barnabas?’
Prayer
Lord, if there is a Saul in my life, help me to see him/her and use me as a Barnabas. In Christ name, we pray, Amen.
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