Paul again shared his testimony. And it is a powerful one. The truth that came out was that he wsa just like them - yet he is a Roman citizen. So, a Jew, but yet a Roman. So identifies with both of the citizens. God used that to confuse the people. I began to see that it isn't in who we are but in who we have chosen to be. Out nationality doesn't have anything to do with our testimony. We are all the same in God's eyes. Yet he used who we were created to be as a witness to those around us. We can touch certain people because we are German or Kenyan or whatever. BUT that isn't who we are onece we belong to Jesus and His "nation".
God uses each of us in His own unique way for one goal and that is to save the world. Paul spoke to so many people and he is still speaking to people today!!!
What speaks to you in Paul's testimony?
1 comment:
Pastor Susan, that spoke to me as well … who we are in God supersedes all else. Paul established his credentials, his education and training under Gamaliel, the most honored Jewish rabbi of the time. Paul told the people that he was “zealous to honor God in everything he did, just as they.” Paul was secure in who he was in Christ Jesus and of what he was going to share with the people. Paul did not need to validate who he was but was “validating” why the people should listen to him. Paul had their full attention as he gave his testimony … his Damascus Road conversion, as well as what God spoke to him. Everything was going along fine until Paul mentioned the “G” word . . . Gentiles! Oh, Paul, you can’t mentioned those people . . . they are not like us! We are better than they; after all, we are God’s chosen people! Pride, pride, pride. I wonder if we sometimes, maybe without realizing it, use our “saved status” to validate not associating with those of “unsaved status? Christians’ reactions to my getting a job at Nebraska State Education in 1988, and over the years as I worked there, was like the Jew’s reaction to the Gentiles. But one thing I know that I know . . . God put me in that job and told me, “You cannot be a light in the light.” I was a teeny tiny “Paul” while on that job; but nevertheless, had many opportunities to let my light shine in the darkness.
Father, today help us, by your Holy Spirit, walk in who we are in Christ Jesus, not in who we are in the natural.
Post a Comment