Meditation For Today July 4, 2018 Topic - Patiently Waiting For God's Call
Acts 11:25-26
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Thoughts for Today:
The last time Saul and Barnabas appeared together was 14 years previously in Acts 9:26-30. As you might recall, at that time the Apostles only reluctantly accepted Saul (with Barnabas encouragement) because before his conversion he had been one of the biggest persecutors of the new church. He was then forced to leave Jerusalem when threats were made against his life by the Jerusalem Jews. Now we see in our passage today, that Barnabas has gone to Saul's hometown of Tarsus to look for him.
I've often wondered what Saul was thinking about during those 14 years before Barnabas found him. Previously he had been one of the "big guns" in Jewish circles. In fact, Gamaliel himself (the chief priest) had given him the responsibility of quieting the new Christian movement. Saul was the epitome of a "Type A" personality. But then he was back in his hometown of Tarsus, probably wondering like many of us, about the point of all of it. God gave Saul 14 years to consider that question.
Saul/Paul went on from here to go on at least three missionary journeys and write seven books of the New Testament.
I've often wondered what Saul was thinking about during those 14 years before Barnabas found him. Previously he had been one of the "big guns" in Jewish circles. In fact, Gamaliel himself (the chief priest) had given him the responsibility of quieting the new Christian movement. Saul was the epitome of a "Type A" personality. But then he was back in his hometown of Tarsus, probably wondering like many of us, about the point of all of it. God gave Saul 14 years to consider that question.
Saul/Paul went on from here to go on at least three missionary journeys and write seven books of the New Testament.
Questions to Ponder:
It took 14 years for Saul to empty himself of Saul and fill himself with Jesus. What about you? How long has it taken you? Are you in your second year or your fourteenth? What old habit or lifestyle do you still hold on to? Are you letting Jesus complete his work? Have you been patient? Just like Paul there is a great mission ahead for all of us -- which will start as soon as I have emptied myself of me and am filled instead with Jesus. Of what can you start emptying yourself, and allowing God to fill you up with Jesus? Does it start in your thought life? In the way you spend your time and money? In the way you speak to others? What is the old habit or lifestyle you are still holding on to? Will you begin today to let go of it? Let Jesus help you.
Meditation For Today July 4, 2018 Topic - Patiently Waiting For God's Call
Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight)
on
July 04, 2018
Rating:
Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight)
on
July 04, 2018
Rating:
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