January 17, 2012

Acts 9:20-31 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 6:5-15, Psalm 14, Genesis 27-28

Journal Entry

Scripture

21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

Observation

We see the power of a life changed after meeting Jesus. Saul who was now Paul, has encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, and it changed him. Not only did the scales fall off his physical eyes (after being blind for 3 days), more importantly the spiritual blindness was gone, now allowing him to see Jesus face to face. Instead of persecuting Christians, Paul was now proclaiming the risen Christ. He couldn't stop talking about him. His impact was already such that v.25 indicates that he had disciples (already) who had gotten wind of a plot to kill Paul, ensuring Paul's safety.

We see the development of Paul growing from being a chief persecutor to now being a chief proclaimer of Christ. Whereas before he couldn't stop attacking the church, breathing threats, and arresting those who followed Jesus, Paul now cannot stop speaking of Jesus, growing in faith, and proving Jesus was and is the Christ. However, with this change, there was skepticism. Did Paul really change or is it still Saul? Is he acting so that he can lull believers into a false sense of security and then persecute them all the more? Was he a wolf in sheep's clothing?

We see the power of an encouraging friend. While all responded with fear and distrust, one person gave Paul the benefit of the doubt, took the risk of being betrayed, and extended grace to the one who caused so much havoc in Jerusalem for all those who called upon Jesus. Never discount the power of a friend's encouragement. Barnabas was so edifying and encouraging, that his nickname literally was a "Son Of Encouragement."

Application

Be reminded of the time in your life when you met the risen Lord. Keep on remembering the power of the Gospel working in and through your life. Remember that encounter with the Lord as often as the apostle Paul did (he spoke of the Damascus road to several key governmental leaders, even near the end of his life) to keep our relationship fresh, remembering the Lord's grace and faithfulness. That helps us face whatever challenges today as we remember the Lord was faithful before, that He will be faithful today and tomorrow.

Be refreshed by the power of the Lord even today, working in and through your life, changing who you are from the person you used to be, to the person you are becoming. Look at your life at how far you have come, rather than on how far you still have to go. His grace and mercies are new every morning. His strength is more than enough for the troubles of each day.

Be encouraged by the "Barnabas" in your life. Often, the Lord brings a friend in times of discouragement, in times of distrust, and in times of uncertainty. Their encouragement often makes the difference between a dark and lonely place, to one where we experience hope, and the love of Christ, tangibly shown by their words and presence. In turn can you be a "Barnabas" to someone in your life? Who needs to be encouraged (or exhorted) today? Who needs the benefit of the doubt? Who needs the grace of the Lord extended?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to any blindspots in my life. Help me realize that I need the friendships of believers who challenge me, sharpen me, and according to this passage, encourage me. We need your encouragement today. You know what is in store for the day, whether decisions, meetings with people, or the everyday is before me. Let my eyes be fixed on you who began a good work in me and will see it to perfection. Remind me of the first time that I met you, and let my love not be cold, please light the fire that once burned bright and clear. Replace the lamp of my first love, that burned with holy fire.

--P. Byoung