Title: Precious Date: 9.28.14 Series: The Acts Series Text: Acts 9:1-19 Synopsis: You’ve probably heard it said or maybe said it yourself, “I love Jesus I just don’t go to church.” There are many variation of the same sentiment. “I don’t believe in organized religion” or “I worship God in my own way” etc. I suppose the list could go on an on. Basically it means that a person has some concepts about the Christian faith but for one reason or another doesn’t want be around other Christians. But can a person really care about Jesus and care so little about the people he gave his life for? We learn a lot about the church in the conversion of Saul. Saul was a rising star among the Pharisees. He likely served in the Sanhedrin (the highest Jewish court) and was leading the charge against this new fledgling movement known simply as “The Way.” With letters from the High Priest in hand he was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians. But as he neared Damascus (a journey of about 150 miles) a light from heaven flashes around him and a voice says, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul falls to the ground and asks, “Who are you Lord?” The voice replies, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” Saul’s retinue was astounded for they heard the voice, but did not see anyone. For three days Saul is left blind from the encounter and he does not eat nor drink anything. He is led to Damascus where he meets Ananias, a man who has been divinely instructed to lay hands on him and restore his sight. Ananias meets Saul and says, “Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here- has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. His sight is restored and he is baptized. Much could be said about the dramatic conversion of Saul, soon to be called Paul. We learn of God’s love poured out on rebellious people and how Jesus upends our deepest held beliefs. But perhaps most importantly we learn about how Jesus sees his people. He asks Saul, “Why are you persecuting me?” He didn’t ask Saul why he was persecuting his followers or his organization. He didn’t even ask why Saul was persecuting people he really liked. He asked, “Why are you persecuting me?” For Jesus, to persecute his people meant that you were persecuting him. Years later Saul would write about the mysterious union of Christ and his people calling them “united in Christ” (c.f. Rom 6:5). The word carries with it the idea of being grown together. These men and women that Saul was persecuting were grown together with Jesus. Jesus wouldn’t stand for it. Instead of Saul arresting Jesus, Jesus arrested Saul and stopped him in his tracks. He blinded him with the light of truth and Saul repents for three days taking neither food nor water. Jesus’ body is precious to him. It became precious to Saul. It should be precious to us as well. youtu.be/NZN0C934QyE
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:45:35 +0000