January 16, 2012

Acts 9:1-19 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 6:1-4, Psalm 13, Genesis 25-26

Journal Entry

Scripture

6 "But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."

Observation

From one who was "breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord" (v.1) and backed by the high priest's authority (v.2) to whom being struck with blindness and instructed to go the the city he originally intended to stomp in. What a drama... You're all mine now, saith the Lord. And upon arrival, he regained his sight, filled with the Holy Spirit and was baptized by Ananias; and the story goes on.

Application

One thing that's drawn my attention in this passage is how Saul would be told what he was to do only after entering the city. Saul didn't believe in Jesus at the moment, but was likely in shock and in the state of pure helplessness. No matter what the state of his mind and heart was, Jesus had a plan, a clear and solid plan for His name. Perhaps when I become so unsure and helpless (as I have experienced at various points in my life), I should stop trying to figure out what to do on my own, and let Him take over and instruct me along the way. Hmm...easier said than done.

Prayer

"Take away all iniquity; accept what is good, and we will pay with bulls the vows of our lips. 3 Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses; and we will say no more, 'Our God,' to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy." (Hosea 14: 2-3; a prayer I've been reciting in my prayers lately...) In Jesus' name, amen.

--Julius Bhang