Scripture
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. Acts 9:5 NIV
Observation
Saul was on his life mission: to catch and kill anyone who called themselves followers of Jesus. He was a religious man that would not allow this new movement to grow.
As I read his story, it feels he was very convicted of what we must do.
There was zero chances that he would stop persecuting the early church.
Maybe, Saul was that kind of person who puts something into his head, and don’t let it go until accomplishes it.
But his life took another course after a series of events.
And now, there was no way for him to deny it, or continue to live a life he used to live.
The reason of his change: an undeniable encounter with Jesus.
Application
I think sometimes, we try so hard to convince others about Christ.
Specially when we talk to people who wants “proofs” of this and that.
The reality is that most of time, even if we could proof from A+B the existence of God, or the Jesus resurrection, still, there would not be much change in the person’s life.
Because Jesus isn’t suppose to be a knowledge in our heads, but someone that we bring into our hearts.
A change comes from when we encounter Jesus.
Once we experience Jesus, once we encounter him, once he enters our hearts, we might not have a scientific proof of what happened but Jesus becomes undeniable to us.
When I look back and remember all the experience I had with Jesus about God’s miraculous provision, His answers to prayers, His healing, His protection and intervention, His love, grace and mercy… we know that God isn’t just a theory, He is real in moving in our lives.
While I read the scripture, I prayed over some old friends. Friends who are living their lives very far from The Way.
I prayed that God would show up in their lives, and as they encounter Jesus and experience Him, it wouldn’t matter how far their lives brought them apart from Jesus, they would just instantly changes their lives, because of their undeniable encounter with Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your word that touches our hearts. Thank you for the transformation you brought to my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
