Good morning and welcome to our daily walk!
This week's devotionals are by Justin Morton.
Audio version at http://tinyurl.com/yrk2gg
Many people today feel that they have been so bad in the past that they could never be forgiven for their sins. It is because of the past that many feel that can never be a servant for God. This week we have already looked at three men who were not very likely people to be servants of God. Yet, all three, despite their past and background, went on to become great servants in the kingdom of God. Today’s lesson is no different. The individual we will discuss this morning was a hater of Christians. In fact, in Acts 7 we see him right there in the middle of the stoning of Stephen. Chapter 8 begins by telling us that this man was ravaging the church. His name was Saul.
Saul was a great persecutor of God’s people. He made it his life persecuting Christians and their families. Yet, Saul would eventually change. In Acts 9 we read how he was blinded by a light on the way to Damascus. There he was told to enter the city and he would find out what to do. Saul eventually became a Christian and had his name changed to Paul.
At first, even the disciples were afraid of him but eventually they saw Paul the same way the Lord did, as a valuable member of the Lord’s kingdom and a faithful servant. Paul wrote at least thirteen books of the New Testament. He helped begin several congregations of the Lord’s people. He was constantly traveling trying to encourage and uplift the saints.
This man who at one time went out and found Christians to throw in prison and persecute, went on to become persecuted himself. Paul wrote about being beaten, shipwrecked, stoned, hungry, thirsty, in danger from robbers, in danger at sea, in danger from Gentiles, and even in danger from his own people ( 2 Cor. 11:24-29). Yet, through all of this, Paul continued to be a great servant in the Lord’s kingdom.
What a great example Paul is for us today. Having found out that he was doing wrong by persecuting Christians, he quickly changed his ways and became obedient to God. There are so many people today who think they are doing right but like Paul, need to be pointed in the right direction. If Paul can change from the man known as Saul, you and I can change today when we are wrong. We can make things right and become faithful servants of God.
For those who are servants but at times have to suffer hardships and difficulties, Paul’s a great example for you because he was willing to endure the worst of situations in order to serve God. He didn’t let hardships and difficulties get in his way.
So my question for you this morning is, “Are you are faithful servant of God?” If the answer is no, why not? Your past is no excuse. It wasn’t an excuse for David or Peter and it’s not an excuse for you. Your background is no excuse. It wasn’t an excuse for Andrew and it’s not for you either. Even your ignorance of the word is no excuse. It wasn’t an excuse for Paul and it’s not an excuse for you either. God expects us to all be faithful servants.
My prayer for you today is that you will see what God has called us all to be, faithful servants of His and that you will start this very day making things right with God and living everyday as a servant. No matter what you have to endure to serve God, it’s worth it. Paul demonstrated that. After all, it is the faithful servants who will be rewarded on the Day of Judgment.
Thought of the Day: “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong”
(2 Corinthians 12:10).
May God bless you in your daily walk!
No comments:
Post a Comment