Old Testament: 2 Samuel 23 & 24
Poetry: Proverbs 28
New Testament: Acts 22
Have you ever seen a street-corner evangelist shouting into a megaphone about hell? I recently saw such a guy carrying his cross down the sidewalk—literally—he was pulling along a giant cross on wheels. It’s easy to point fingers at these people and think that their tactics are the very opposite of what Jesus intended (and his cross definitely didn’t have wheels).
But what if it’s not just these people? What if my actions and attitudes are contrary to the very heart of Jesus?
In Acts 22, Paul shares his testimony to the crowd after his arrest. It’s a scary story:
“In one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you (Jesus). And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him” (Acts 22:19b-20, ESV).
Looking back at Saul’s life, it’s scary because of the heinous acts he committed, but even more so because he thought he was doing everything right. He thought he was carrying out God’s work; after all, he was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5) and on fire for God. This facade crumbles when he hears Jesus’ voice calling him on the road to Damascus:
And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you
persecuting me?” And I answered, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said to me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 22:7-8, ESV).
You and me are sometimes like Saul. We think we’re right, but maybe it’s more like self-righteous. Maybe our priorities are mixed-up. Maybe we’re quick to judge, hesitant to forgive, or eager to avenge. Are we accurate reflections of who Jesus is, or do we persecute him? Jesus’ harsh words to Saul are a warning to us, too.
Here are two ways to heed Jesus’ warning:
- Get to know Jesus. Saul didn’t know Jesus for himself. He accepted what his
circle of religious elite said about Jesus (and it wasn’t nice). Get to know Jesus
personally—who he is and what he stands for. We get to know him through
reading accounts in scripture, prayer, and worship. - Leave the Judgment to God. Saul got into trouble when he sought to avenge the supposed heretics. He relied on his own flawed and limited perception instead of God’s, the perfect Judge. Your job is to love and forgive; God will handle justice.
-Mackenzie McClain
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have your actions and attitudes “persecuted” Jesus? How can you be a better reflection of him today?
- Saul’s transformation story is incredible! Is there anyone in your life who you’ve dismissed as being too far gone? God’s not done working!
Seek Grow Love 