DRAMATIC SURRENDER
Today’s Verse: “And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’” Acts 9:4-6, ESV
Theme: Surrendering to God allows even the most misguided influencers to see, believe, and proclaim the truth.
MISTAKEN
The risen Jesus, who had ascended into heaven, came back to personally invite Saul to be His disciple. He not only invited him, but He also practically captured him with an overwhelming vision and sense of awe.
This young man was chosen to be very instrumental in the spread of the Gospel but had so far dismissed appeals from other evangelists to become a Jesus-follower. We know he heard the Gospel from Stephen as he was being stoned. Jesus pointed out to Saul how difficult it was for him to keep saying, "No" to the gift of salvation. Saul's refusal to accept the Good News was based on a mistaken belief and a secret sin.
SHAKEN
Saul believed that to be accepted by God and awarded with eternal life, you had to be perfectly righteous. He believed his obedience of the Law would make him right with God. It would take the Damascus Road experience (Acts 9:1-19) and a personal conversation with Jesus to help him see that complete holiness was an impossible task. Jesus’ question, "Why are you persecuting Me?" caused the usually self-assured Saul to realize he was on the wrong mission. His determination to persecute Jesus followers was hurting the same Lord God who Saul thought he was defending. His decision to surrender his trust in his own ability to be righteous allowed him to get right with Jesus. When he surrendered all his wrong beliefs and prejudices, he gained a relationship with the Risen Lord. He was given a mission and purpose that lasted a lifetime.
Make It Personal: Is there something in your life that means more to you than Christ? Will you surrender your attempts at righteousness to follow His plans? Is your purpose and mission His purpose for you?
Pray: Father God, thank You for saving everyone who is willing to surrender. Help me to see the ways that my self-image obscures my vision. I don’t want to continue with scales over my eyes. I want to hear Your voice. Let it change my perspective sot that ultimately, I see the truth. Thank You for being the God who brings clarity, not confusion. Help me to surrender. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Acts 7:51-60; 26:1-23
Memory Verse of the Week: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Luke 22:42 (NIV)