Finally Human Thoughts on being a person

Blinded by the king to see the emperor (A refelction on Paul)

Over the past week or so I have been reading through the Acts of the Apostles. It is a book of the history of the first generation of Christians and starts chronologically straight after Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven.

It starts in Jerusalem, the city where Jesus died, and then we follow the journeys of a group of Christians as they travel around the Mediterranean led by the Spirit of God. Paul becomes a central figure.

Now Paul, or 'Saul' as we are introduced to him in Acts 7, was an early persecutor of the Christians. He ordered their arrest and murder, a fact he never tries to hide, even after becoming one of the church's most influential leaders. Saul was from a sect of religious leaders known as the Pharisees, from an ethnic minority in the Roman Empire known as the Jews. The Christians were a small sect within this group of people. Hardly a blip on the grand scheme of things, to be honest. Scattered followers here and there, but swiftly being crushed by the religious authorities. Not that they were allowed to kill people, but the Romans didn't interfere too much with the Jewish rulers and when the local governor wasn't in Jerusalem the religious authorities called the shots. So Saul was able to watch over the stoning of Stephen - the first martyr - and who knows how many else.

So an insignificant cult in an insular ethnic community. Christianity meant not a lot to those who weren't a part of it or directly threatened by it. The religious leaders got upset by it, but the Romans couldn't have cared less. As long as their pockets were being filled, the Jews can do what they like!

However, God is bigger than this. In the middle of this insignificant religious tension, Jesus himself visits Saul. Saul's life changes from this point. He is blinded by Jesus on the road to Damascus and must go to the believers there to receive his sight again. Ironic really, after thinking he knew where he was heading he must be led to the arms of the believers to be healed - the very believers he was going to destroy!

He becomes a part of the church, he starts churches and spreads the message of Jesus. But still he is a part of an insignificant sect in a relatively small ethnic community.

Saul, or rather Paul's former colleagues eventually conspire against him. Recognising Paul as one of their main threats they try and whip up a riot to have him killed by the Romans. It worked with Jesus, I suppose. Yet it seems God had something else planned.

After a grand tour of church - planting and teaching, Paul has returned to Jerusalem to be greeted with a riot and arrest. From here he goes and shares the message of Jesus with the high priest of the Jews, then to the local Roman governor and eventually is given an audience with the Roman emperor himself!

From insignificant strong-man of the religious, to a shackled prisoner, proclaiming Jesus to the rulers and authorities in the Roman world. Paul is a fascinating character with a story only God could have authored. He might have though himself important all those years ago holding the coats of those who murdered Stephen, yet when his life was transformed by Jesus it truly took on eternal significance.

May God show his face to you
And may he transform you by his grace
To become part of the divine drama
The redemption of all the world

Amen

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• He who has ears
• Sovereign over suffering
• Treasuring Jesus over sin
• I am finally human
• The Exiled Church

The Laws of God are not rules

1  Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
2  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3  who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4  You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5  Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6  Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7  I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
8  I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
9  How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.

Psalm 119:1-9

Salvation is not a nice idea. Nor a standard to be achieved, nor a positive mindset. It is not sin-management and is not to be confused with a free ticket to heaven.

To be saved is to learn what it means to follow God and to rejoice in his limits and to understand how to do life according to his plan.

Law demonstrates and shapes a people who will live the extravagant saving power of the God of the universe.

I am saved, in order to follow God. God teach me to follow you, that all may know your salvation.

Amen

Possibly Related Posts:

• He who has ears
• Sovereign over suffering
• Treasuring Jesus over sin
• I am finally human
• The Exiled Church