Acts 9 - My Quick thoughts

The conversion of Saul to Paul has always been an important scripture to me. I've referred to it many times when talking with middle school kids and often to remind myself the depravity of our human condition and in turn the amazingness (a Lindsie word) of Christ's death on the cross and the redemptive power it has over our condition of Sin. At first its easy for me to separate myself from Saul and compare our lives, telling myself that I am not that bad, or have never committed acts on the level that he did, but am quickly convicted that I too was born under Sin and am in need of Christ's gift. Another thing that strikes me in Ch. 9 is how trusting Ananias is of God's calling, even though he has no idea what God's plan is and is afraid. It really goes to show that we can be used for such a higher purpose. I need to remind myself that God's plan for me is not just not for ourselves or our own well being or future. We may be afraid or feel unwilling/unsure, but thats not the important thing. Anyways, those are a few of my thoughts. Linz

Acts chapter 9

In the chapters leading up to Acts 9, we read stories about Saul(Paul) persecuting the believers. I find it amazing that in 9:4 Jesus speaks to Saul and says, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?", as if to say Saul's actions towards the believers are actions dealt upon Jesus himself. It reminds me of Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." It makes it all the more apparent that through Christ, there is no longer a gap between us and God. We are in constant communion with Christ, and as revealed here in His words, actually experience oneness with Him. Not to confuse ourselves with Christ(didn't want to sound crazy) - just rejoicing in the fact that we are a part of the vine - John 15:4 "Remain in me, and I will remain in you." If we are in Christ, and Christ is in us.....it can't get any better than that.

Collin